The red-backed mousebird (Colius castanotus) is a species of bird in the Coliidae family. It is found in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The name mousebird is based on bird's soft feathers with texture similar to a mouse's fur. The red-backed mousebird got its name from the red or chestnut color patch on its back.
Like other mousebirds, Colius castanotus possesses feathers that resembles the soft fur of a mouse, but it is notable for its red or chestnut patch on it back. Its average size ranges from 11 to 15 inches and it weighs around 1 to 3 ounces. The red-backed mousebird is not adapted for long-distance flights. The wings of the mousebird are described as short and rounded. The longevity of the red-backed mouse is 10 to 12 years.