Colius leucocephalus

(Reichenow, 1879)

Vernacular names
English : White-headed mousebird
French : Coliou à tête blanche

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Coliiformes
Family : Coliidae
Notes : 2 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 31 cm (including a 20 cm long tail) for a weight of 42 g. Easily recognized by its white crest on crown. Plumage grayish with beige belly and black and white thin stripes on neck and nape. Red legs.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in eastern Africa from South-east Ethiopia and South Somalia to east and central Kenya, south to extreme north Tanzania. Lives in thornbushes in semi-arid areas, often close to water, to 1400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species is globally uncommon within its fragmented range. It is locally common in southern coastal Somalia.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Tierpark Hagenbeck (Germany)

 

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