The white-backed mousebird is a large species of mousebird. It is distributed in western and central regions of southern Africa from Namibia and southern Botswana eastwards to Central Transvaal and the eastern Cape.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from western and central Namibia and southern Botswana through much of western and central South Africa to the Eastern Cape. Favors semi-arid scrub, Karoo and thornveld, fynbos edges, riparian thickets, and farmsteads with fruiting shrubs and trees. Common in gardens and orchards where dense shrubbery provides cover. Avoids dense forests and very open treeless grasslands but readily uses hedgerows and windbreaks. Often remains near water and fruiting vegetation year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Mousebirds belong to the unique African family Coliidae, often seen clambering through shrubs and hanging upside down like small parrots. The white-backed mousebird is notable for its pale mantle that flashes in flight and its social behavior, huddling together to roost and sunning with wings spread. It feeds heavily on fruits, buds, and leaves and can be both a garden visitor and a minor orchard pest, but it also helps disperse seeds.
These members of a family group show the typical attitude in which mousebirds hang in trees, in this case directing their bellies to make the most of chilly winter sunshine. Note the monkey-like grip and the opposed, paired toes, shown most clearly by the bird in the centre.
Colius white-backed mousebird feeding on duranta berries
This dead specimen shows details of the dorsal plumage that seldom are visible on live specimens in the field.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; swift dashes between bushes
Social Behavior
Typically in small flocks that forage together and engage in allopreening. Roosts communally, often packed tightly to conserve warmth. Both sexes build a twiggy cup nest; pairs may be assisted by helpers. Clutches are small and breeding can occur opportunistically when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched twitters and thin sibilant calls used to keep contact in thickets. Alarm calls are sharper and more insistent; overall song is simple and not very musical.
