The Urocolius macrourus (scientific name) or blue-naped mousebird is found in the dryer arid regions of East Africa. 13-14 inches in length, this bird has an ash-brown greyish body and spiky head crest feathers. It also has a turquoise-coloured nape. They have black and red beaks, and pointed elongated tail feathers. Its feet are large in comparison to its body-size. Their diet is comprised of fruits, berries, flowers, seeds and nectar. Most Blue-naped mousebirds are monogamous breeders. While a female can lay up to 7 eggs, an average clutch has 3-4 eggs incubated for 14 days. The term mousebird came about because of this bird’s ability to scurry on the ground like a mouse. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Blue-naped Mousebird
