Speckled Mousebird

Colius striatus Gmelin, JF, 1789

Coliidae — Mousebirds

Speckled Mousebird, Colius striatus, breeds across Africa and is widespread through much of central, eastern and southern parts of the continent. It is the largest mousebird and among the most familiar. The species is mainly associated with open bushveld, savanna, open woodland and tangled thickets, and it also occurs in gardens and orchards in towns and cities. Rainforest and very dry areas are avoided. It is a social bird, often feeding in groups and preening one another, and it roosts tightly packed at night.

Order: Coliiformes
Family: Coliidae — Mousebirds
Breeding range: Africa: widespread