Red-faced Mousebird

The Red-faced Mousebird is a member of the African mousebird family (Coliidae), recognized by its striking red facial skin set against otherwise plain grey plumage.

Appearance

• Pale grey body plumage, unmarked and smooth compared to the speckled mousebird
• Blue-grey crest on the head
• Long, slender tail
• Bright red bare skin surrounding the eyes and face, with a grey bill

Key field marks

• Bright red facial skin around the eyes is diagnostic
• Plain, unspeckled grey body plumage
• Long tail and blue-grey crest

Similar species

The Speckled Mousebird has brownish, finely speckled plumage and lacks red facial skin. The Blue-naped Mousebird has a blue patch on the nape and a red bill rather than red facial skin, and occurs further north and east.

Range

Found across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Habitat

Inhabits savanna woodland, scrub, riverine thicket, and gardens with dense shrubbery.

Movement

Resident and non-migratory throughout its range.

Behavior

Social and gregarious, forming small flocks that scurry and clamber through vegetation, sometimes hanging upside down while feeding.

Voice

Gives shrill, whistled calls and soft chittering notes within the flock.

Feeding

Feeds on fruit, berries, leaves, and nectar, often raiding garden fruit trees and flowering shrubs.

Nesting and breeding

Builds a cup-shaped nest in a dense shrub or tree; cooperative breeding with helper birds assisting at the nest has been recorded.