Bird · GBIF taxon 2482321
Blue-naped Mousebird
Urocolius macrourusAlso known as Blue-naped Coly
Blue-naped mousebirds scurry through dense thornbush and tree canopies with rodent-like agility, using flexible toes to clamber upside down while foraging. These gregarious birds maintain group cohesion through constant piping whistles and cluster into tight communal huddles to regulate body temperature. A vivid turquoise patch on the nape contrasts strikingly with soft buff plumage and remarkably long, stiff tail feathers.
SocialFrugivoreAfrican Wildlife
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acacia Leaves
- Wild Figs
- Solanum Berries
Predators
- Lanner Falcon
- Gabar Goshawk
- African Boomslang
ThreatsLocal habitat clearing and occasional persecution by fruit farmers.
HabitatsSemi-arid savanna, dry thornbush scrub, acacia woodlands, and agricultural gardens.
Life span8–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColiidae
- SpeciesUrocolius macrourus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look High: Scan acacia tops and fruiting bushes where flocks gather to forage.
- Listen for Calls: Listen for whistling, piping notes exchanged between flying flock members.
- Observe Roosts: Watch for tight communal clusters hanging upside down in morning sun.
Close Relative (c) Paul Hoekman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Hoekman · cc-by
Family Member (c) Henry de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henry de Lange · cc-by
Regional Relative (c) Dan Harville, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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