Speckled Mousebird

The Speckled Mousebird, Colius striatus, stands as the largest of its kind, reaching a length of about 35 cm, half of which is attributed to its elongated tail. This bird tips the scales at a modest 57 grams. Its plumage is a muted mousy brown, complemented by a pronounced crest atop its head. The upper bill is cloaked in black, while the lower bill exhibits a soft pink hue.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing features of the Speckled Mousebird include its crest and the dual-toned bill. Variations among subspecies manifest in head contrast, throat color, barring extent, and iris hue. The White-headed Mousebird may appear similar, but the Speckled Mousebird's distinct bill colors and absence of a bare grey orbital patch set it apart.

Habitat

The Speckled Mousebird thrives in a variety of settings, from savannas to open woodlands, and even in urban gardens and orchards. It tends to avoid rainforests and deserts, favoring open bushveld and areas with dense thickets.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, from Cameroon across to Eritrea and Ethiopia, and southward to the southernmost tip of Africa. It is a common sight across Tanzania and is well-adapted to both wild and urban environments.

Behaviour

Social by nature, Speckled Mousebirds are often seen in groups, partaking in communal feeding and mutual preening. They exhibit a unique behavior of dust bathing on the ground and may ingest pebbles to aid in digestion. At dusk, they roost closely together, sometimes entering a state of torpor to conserve energy, relying on their numbers for protection against predators.

Song & Calls

While not celebrated for melodious singing, the Speckled Mousebird is nonetheless vocal. It emits a warbling 'tsu-tsu' in flight and a 'tisk-tisk' alarm call when threatened.

Breeding

Breeding can occur year-round, with nests being a collaborative effort between males and females. These nests are rather large and disheveled, made from various materials. Clutch sizes vary, averaging 3-4 eggs, with both parents and previous offspring participating in rearing. Incubation lasts about two weeks, and fledglings venture out at around 17-18 days, becoming independent after a month.

Diet and Feeding

As a frugivore, the Speckled Mousebird's diet consists primarily of fruits, berries, leaves, seeds, and nectar. It exhibits regional preferences in its diet, selecting food sources specific to its habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Speckled Mousebird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.