16. Coliiformes - Mousebirds

The order Coliiformes contains only six species of African colies (or mousebirds). These slender, long-tailed birds climb about vegetation in a mouse-like fashion, and they feed on fruits and other vegetable matter. The unique order has no known close relatives.

They are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers. They are typically about 10 cm in body length, with a long, thin tail a further 20-24 cm in length, and weigh 45-55 grams. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents, in search of berries, fruit and buds. This habit, and their legs, gives rise to the group's English name. They are acrobatic, and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes (pamprodactyl feet). They also have crests and stubby bills.