Speckled mousebirds live in sub-Saharan Africa, in dry woodland and brushland habitats. They are called mousebirds because they scurry through the brush like mice when hunting.
The life of a speckled mousebird
Speckled mousebirds grow up to 14 inches long. Half of their length comes from their long tails. They weigh less than two ounces and live eight to ten years in the wild, and longer in human care. They eat fruit, berries, aloe nectar and seeds, as well as termites and ants. They occasionally swallow small pebbles to aid in food digestion.
Speckled mousebirds are highly social, living in family groups. They roost belly-to-belly or sleep together in multi-bird clusters to keep warm. They also forage for food and take dust baths together. Multiple mothers share the same nest, in which females lay one to seven eggs at a time. Two to six unrelated mousebirds help raise young. After hatching, they are capable of flight around 17 to 18 days old.
Their predators are snakes, birds of prey and the African wildcat. When threatened, speckled mousebirds dive into thick bushes and stay completely still until the danger passes. They are not skilled flyers but are excellent climbers, moving nimbly through trees.
Speckled mousebirds at the zoo
Located in the Vollum Aviary near the Africa area.
