White-backed Mousebird (Colius colius)
This little bird is one of a fairly large group of birds… It is found in western and central regions of southern Africa from Namibia and southern Botswana eastwards to Central Transvaal and the eastern Cape.
This bird is about 34 cm (13 inches) long, with the tail comprising approximately half the length. When handling mousebirds the tail should be avoided, as the long tail feathers come out easily, suggesting like a lizard that it might be a sacrificial defence mechanism.
This little fellow I capture in the Kalahari and the last photo, although not good, just has a good look about it…
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Beautiful display feathers on the head.
They are such busy birds and that crest appears to pop up in an inquisitive type look
I love all those little birds, and they DO look like mice when they are on the ground! Your photographs are superb! I used to notice birds when at home in the garden. Even in the kitchen, doves used to sit watching me from where they perched on the phone wire where they could see through the door. Where I now live, there is a bird bath right opposite my front door and it is a joy to watch the birds, but I need to get a bird book to help me learn the names.
Those name can become difficult sometimes.. making sure the ID is right… we have a book called LBJ’s (little brown jobs) there are so many smaller birds that look so similar that to ID them is not easy.. but that to me is what makes it fun.. and to sit and watch their mannerisms and behaviour is just mind blowing some times..
Great shots, especially the last one bulldog. I love learning so greatly enjoy the information along with the photographs!
Thank you Penny… glad you learn something…
I love nature walks and watching the birds. Today here in Washington it was a beautiful day and I walked along the Columbia River where it was filled with a variety of birds. Your Posts are like a nature walk to me.
Looks like he has a mohawk!
Yep he does.. and he keeps putting it up and down so that you do notice it..
Great photos again. I love the mohawk. 😀
Thank you..
He looks like a cockatoo – sort of!
How right you are.. just a duller colour…
Now that is one sharp looking bird with his little Mohawk do, very nice shots.
I’ve been asked why he’s known as a mousebird may be he should be known as the mohawkbird.
He’s such a cut little fella! I love the ‘hairdo’ 😀
Thanks Dianne.. quite a flighty little fellow..
He’s a brave one to sit amongst those thorns – really nice set Bulldong – he reminds me a bit of a titmouse only larger.
Thanks Mate… went and looked up the titmouse and I do agree…
They have the same haircut 🙂
Interesting how the hair on his head sticks up so high, is it always that way or do these birds do that for particular reasons?
It pops up and down… almost looks like an inquiring look.. but I’m sure it has a communicational meaning…
Those remind me of early Knysna Heads days. Also, it struck me how many birds – like that one – we just naturally used the Afrikaans common name for.
How true.. but then it might have been an Afrikaner that discovered the bird and named it… you have just raised a very interesting point and now I’m going to have to go and research it…
I love it’ name! There IS something about that last one..he seems to be saying..”excuse me….are you the paparazzi?”
Yes that last photo.. I don’t know why I love it so much… that almost look of surprise that I captured him.. the look of worry.. or inquiry… just love the photo…
He looks rather bold to be a “mouse” bird. Mice are supposed to be shy, aren’t they? Oops, I’m stereotyping critters again! 😉
The way these keep hiding from me… maybe that is why they are called mousebirds… shy…
Looks like a seed-eater. Why is it called a mousebird, I wonder?
Yes a seed eater it is… as for why they are called mousebirds… good question.. I have no idea… stumped me on that one, but then I’ve never thought of that…
He is actually a very cute looking little bird 🙂 Nice pictures gain, Bulldog.
Thanks so much…
Do you know so much about your “models” when you photograph them or do you do the research before you post the pictures?
I thank you for all the knowledge you are giving me.
I’ve been working the birds since I started school ( collected birds eggs) and they have just been a joy for me to study and watch all my life… so yes I do know a small amount about them, I lie actually I know quite a lot.. specially the raptors, as I’ve always loved their power and grace.. but the little ones have a way of reminding one that there are nearly 1000 bird specie in the areas I’ve lived and visit…