Though mousebirds are fairly small-bodied Aves, the Speckled mousebird, the largest species from the family, can grow as large as 35 cm (14 inches) long. If one inspects closely, one sees how a characteristic thin tail covers more than half that length. Those wondering where to spot these Savannah-loving birds should set up backyard gardens because, luckily, the Speckled mousebird often treads in urban areas.
Just don’t expect any soulful songs coming in through the windows, as these noisy birds aren’t quite well-known for their warbling voice. Not just that, the Speckled mousebird dwells in large social groups almost at all times, be it fruit-picking for lunch or their dust bathing traditions. Yes, they reach down to dusty grounds in groups, swallowing pebbles that eventually help digest the food. At least somebody is not getting scolded for gobbling up stones!
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Congo-Brazzaville
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Ghana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Rwanda
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic (size)
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
