The White-Backed Mousebird is a small, slender bird with a long tail, spiky crest, and a curious, monkey-like way of moving through trees. It gets its name from its soft, fur-like plumage, mousey colouring, and the way it scrambles through vegetation like a rodent. Found mostly in dry scrublands, savannas, gardens, and wooded grasslands, this mousebird is easily recognised by its greyish-brown plumage, distinctive white back, and scarlet-red bill and eye-ring. Social to the core, mousebirds live in noisy flocks of up to 20 birds. They are highly acrobatic, hanging upside down to reach berries, fruit, flowers, and buds. They are non-migratory, and pairs often nest communally. They have short, stubby legs and tiny, clawed feet — perfect for clambering along branches and clinging in strange positions. They aren’t strong fliers, usually flitting short distances between trees with whirring wingbeats. Breeding takes place in dense shrubs or trees, where a small cup nest is built. Chicks are fed regurgitated plant matter and insects. The group often helps raise the young — showing cooperative breeding behavior. They’re important seed dispersers and pollinators in many ecosystems.