The blue-naped mousebird, also formerly called the blue-naped coly is a species of bird belonging to the family Coliidae within the order Coliiformes. They are the sister group to the clade Eucavitaves, which contains the families Leptosomiformes, Trogoniformes (trogons), Bucerotiformes, Piciformes and Coraciformes.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa (Sahel and East Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel of West Africa east through Sudan and South Sudan to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, and south into Uganda, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. Favors open thornbush, acacia savanna, dry scrub, and semi-arid farmlands, and readily visits gardens and orchards. Avoids dense rainforest and true desert interiors but thrives in mosaic landscapes with shrub cover. Often near watercourses and fruiting trees in otherwise dry regions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Blue-naped mousebirds are members of the African family Coliidae and are named for their rodent-like way of scurrying along branches. They have pamprodactyl feet that let them rotate toes forward or backward, aiding in climbing and hanging upside down while feeding. Social and gregarious, they roost communally in tight clusters. Their long, graduated tail provides balance as they move through thorny scrub and savannas.
Blue-naped mousebird perched
Distribution Map of Blue-naped Mousebird
Nest of blue-naped mousebird
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found in small flocks that forage together and roost communally, often huddling closely for warmth. Pairs are monogamous during breeding, building a twiggy cup nest lined with soft plant material. They are agile climbers, often clambering and hanging to reach fruits and buds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched twitters and chattering notes, often exchanged within foraging groups. Alarm calls are sharper, thin sibilant squeaks delivered in rapid series.
