Red faced mousebird

Introduction: Red-faced mousebirds (Urocolius indicus) are usually found in groups of between 3 and 10 in Acacia savannah with thickets and woodland along seasonal and perennial rivers. They also frequent gardens and orchards.

Distribution: Absent from the mouth of the Orange River to Walvis Bay but common throughout the rest of Namibia.

Diet: Forages in fruiting trees as well as bushes and trees. Eats flowers and fruits such as jackal-berries, figs, mistletoe, mulberries, apricots, peaches, guavas and grapes.

Description: Greyish mousebirds with large wings and short legs.

Breeding: Between 1 and 7 eggs are laid between September and February with an incubation period of up to 15 days.

Size: 33cm.

Weight: 55g.