Mousebirds, sometimes called colies, are an ancient group of small arboreal birds in Africa.

The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are acrobatic and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills.

Mousebird species that occur in Zimbabwe:

  • Speckled mousebird, Colius striatus
  • Red-faced mousebird, Urocolius indicus