Mousecoloreds

Mousecoloreds, also known as mouse-colored birds or mousebirds, are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the family Coliidae. They are native to the forests of Central and South America, with a few species also found in the Caribbean. Mousecoloreds are known for their distinctive appearance, with a mottled brown and gray plumage that resembles the color of a mouse's fur, hence their common name.

The family Coliidae consists of two genera: Colius and Urocolius. The Colius genus includes the majority of mousecolored species, with around 15 recognized species. Urocolius, on the other hand, contains only one species, the mouse-colored toucan, which is known for its distinctive black and white beak.

Mousecoloreds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. They are often seen perching on branches or foraging on the forest floor. Their diet consists mainly of ants, beetles, and other small insects, which they catch using their sharp beaks and agile movements.

Mousecoloreds are generally solitary birds, except during the breeding season when pairs may be seen together. They build cup-shaped nests in tree cavities or holes, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Despite their distinctive appearance, mousecoloreds are not closely related to true mice. The name "mousecolored" is believed to have originated from the similarity in coloration between the birds and the rodents, rather than any actual evolutionary relationship.