Mousebirds have no allies, that is, allies in the ornithology world. The order Coliiformes comprises only mousebirds. All six species are in one family and one genus. Clearly these are unusual birds.
What make mousebirds unusual in the taxonomic world are their reversible outer toes, though they are not the only group with this feature (see Musophagiformes, for example). This dexterity allows mousebirds to climb and clamber about easily whether upright, upside down or any position in between. They relish berries and other fruits, particularly of prodigious fig trees. Foraging in flocks of around a dozen birds, they have been cited with damaging orchard crops, though the damage is rarely extensive.
Mousebirds are so named for their appearance. With long stiff tails, even in flight, and brownish-gray plumage, they resemble flying mice. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, and restricted solely to this continent, they have good company in the long tail department, especially during the breeding season. However, confusion in identification is unlikely as the tails of other species tend to flow like ribbon in flight and those birds overall are more brightly colored, dressed in striking black and white, black and red, or rich russet plumages, to name a few.
The three species of mousebird in southern Africa can breed year-round with a peak between September and December. Most species are monogamous with cooperative breeding tendencies. The Speckled Mousebird, however, practices a bit of everything, adding polygamy and communal breeding to the systems mentioned above. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 10-15 days on an untidy cup nest placed 1-7m above ground. Chicks fledge after a nestling period of 14-20 days. The Speckled Mousebird is the only species cited as a host for brood parasites, namely the Jacobin Cuckoo, which may explain its propensity for a variety of breeding strategies.
