Speckled Mousebird

Afrikaans name: Gevlekte muisvoël

Speckled Mousebird

Photo © Steven Herbert

Colius striatus

The Speckled Mousebird is common in South Africa as well as many other parts of Africa.

The tail of the mousebird makes up for more than half of its 35 cm length. Male and female both have the same brown and buffy plumage.

The Speckled Mousebird is found in a variety of habitats including gardens (particularly those with fruit trees!). Their main foods eaten are fruit, berries, nectar and seeds.

Like other species of Mousebirds these normally are seen in flocks. They can be seen flying from bush to bush one bird at a time in a sort of "follow my leader" fashion.

Both male and female make the cup-shaped nest in a suitable bush or tree. Around 3 or 4 eggs are laid. Both sexes feed the chicks.

Find out more about mousebirds.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 118

Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 54

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 42

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 168

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 159

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 254

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 246

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 279

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 369

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 365

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 266

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 411

Newmans Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1991 - Page: 50

Meeting with Birds - Author: Tom Spence - Published: 1986 - Page: 63

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 244

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 244

Geoff Lockwoods Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Published: 0 - Page: 48

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 174

Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 81

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 181

Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 16

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 120

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 38

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 74

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 140

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 131

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 53

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 124

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 157

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 89

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 95

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 169

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 95

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