Blue-naped Mousebird
Least ConcernUrocolius macrourus
Visual Identification
Blue-naped Mousebird
Appearance
The Blue-naped Mousebird is a slender, long-tailed bird with predominantly grey-brown plumage. Its most distinctive feature is a bright turquoise-blue patch on the nape, contrasting with its otherwise muted colouration. The tail, which makes up about two-thirds of its total length, is graduated and often held vertically.
Both sexes look similar, with a slight crest on the head and crimson-red skin around the eyes. Juveniles resemble adults but lack the blue nape patch and have pinker facial skin.
Size
Length
33cm to 36cm
Wingspan
25cm to 30cm
Weight
34g to 65g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Brown
Secondary Colour
Blue
Beak Colour
Black Red
Leg Colour
Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blue-naped Mousebirds inhabit a range of semi-arid habitats across eastern and northeastern Africa. They are commonly found in savanna woodlands, acacia scrub, and riverine forests. These birds also frequent gardens and cultivated areas with sufficient tree cover.
Their distribution extends from Sudan and Ethiopia southwards to Tanzania and Kenya. While not present in outside Africa, they are popular in zoos and aviaries worldwide.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,100 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Diet
Blue-naped Mousebirds are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, berries, leaves, and buds. They show a particular fondness for figs and have been known to cause damage to fruit crops.
Their diet is supplemented with insects, especially during the breeding season when protein requirements are higher.
Behaviour
Blue-naped Mousebirds are highly social, often seen in small groups of 6-20 individuals. They move through vegetation with a mouse-like crawling motion, using their strong feet and stiff tail feathers for support.
These birds are known for their unique ability to hang upside down while feeding, demonstrating remarkable agility in trees and shrubs.
Vocalisation
Blue-naped Mousebirds are vocal birds, frequently communicating with soft, high-pitched twittering calls. Their vocalisations include a distinctive 'tseee-tseee-tseee' sound, often given in flight or when perched.
During feeding or social interactions, they produce a variety of chirps and trills, creating a constant chatter within their groups.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs year-round, with peaks during the rainy seasons. Blue-naped Mousebirds form monogamous pairs and engage in mutual preening as part of their courtship ritual. They construct cup-shaped nests using plant material, often placed in dense foliage for concealment.
Females typically lay 2-4 eggs, which are white with brown speckles. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 11-12 days. The eggs hatch asynchronously, meaning chicks in the same nest can be at different stages of development.
Nestlings are altricial, born naked and helpless. They fledge after approximately 17-18 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks afterwards, often returning to the nest to roost.
Lifespan
years
The Blue-naped Mousebird typically lives for 7 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 16 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Blue-naped Mousebird is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its wide distribution and adaptability to various habitats contribute to its stable population.
However, local declines may occur due to habitat loss in some areas, particularly where savanna and woodland are converted for agriculture.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for small groups moving through trees and shrubs
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched twittering calls
- Observe their unique crawling behaviour and acrobatic feeding postures
- Watch for the flash of blue on their napes when they turn their heads
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Blue-naped Coly
Family:
ColiidaePredators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as snakes and small carnivorous mammals that can access their nests.
Did You Know?
- Blue-naped Mousebirds can enter a state of torpor to conserve energy during cold nights.
- They have the unique ability to lock their toes in place, allowing them to sleep while hanging upside down.
- These birds play a role in seed dispersal, contributing to the regeneration of their habitat.
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References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Urocolius macrourus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22683792A263670912.
View source - 2 3
report, 2001: del Hoyo et al.