Red-faced Mousebird
Urocolius indicus
Red-faced Mousebird has red face; found in African bushes and farmlands.
| Scientific name | Urocolius indicus |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coliiformes |
| Family | Coliidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 55-60 grams; Female: approximately 50-55 grams |
How to identify
Red bare facial skin; long and soft tail feathers; body plumage mainly gray-brown; short and rounded wings; flexible claws adapted for climbing
Habitat
Open shrublands, sparse wooded savannas, orchards, and edges of farmland
Diet
Primarily feeds on fruits, berries, and tender leaves; omnivorous with a plant preference
When it is active
Diurnal, active frequently during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and surrounding areas; commonly found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Look in the morning or evening in fruit trees or shrubs, paying attention to tail feathers and red face features
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture climbing and feeding behaviors; pay attention to lighting to highlight the red facial features
Threats
Habitat destruction and pesticide use may affect food sources
Similar species
Common Mousebird (Urocolius macrourus), distinguished by Red-faced Mousebird’s more vivid red bare facial skin and darker body coloration
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