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Aves - Neognathae - Coliiformes - Colii - Coliidae - Colius - Colius striatus

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Colius striatus (Speckled Mousebird)

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Species Description
The Speckled Mousebird is the largest and one of the most common of the mousebirds. It is found throughout eastern and southern Africa, where it lives in a variety of habitats, and is commonly seen in suburban gardens. The Speckled Mousebird eats mostly fruit, though it will also consume leaves, nectar and other plant matter; it has also been known to eat soil, possibly for minerals not found in its normal diet, and will swallow pebbles (thought to aid in digestion). It is a conspicuously social bird, feeding and preening with others. The Speckled Mousebird roosts at night in large, tight groups, so that they can safely become torpid when it gets cold; its foot structure allows it to hang upside down without expending any energy.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia Speckled Mousebird Page