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Showing posts with label COMMON RED FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus ssp. transvaalensis). Show all posts
Showing posts with label COMMON RED FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus ssp. transvaalensis). Show all posts

Sunday, 23 May 2021

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON RED FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus ssp. transvaalensis)


The red-faced mousebird is a social, fruit-eating bird native to southern Africa, easily identified by its slaty-grey body, red facial skin, and long tail. They live in small flocks, preen each other, and breed between June and February, laying clutches of 2–6 eggs. Their diet consists primarily of fruit, but they also eat flowers, nectar, and leaves. 

Identification 
Appearance: Slaty-grey with a reddish facial patch, pale forehead, and a long, streamlined tail.Size: Approximately \(33\) cm long, with the tail making up more than half the length.Juveniles: Lack the crest and have a greenish facial mask. 

Behavior and social structure Gregarious: Almost always found in small flocks, typically of 3 to 10 individuals, and are very sociable.Social interactions: Engage in mutual preening and roost together at night.Vocalization: Give a distinctive, high-pitched call in flight.