Karura Forest #51: Arboreal Acrobat Traditional Cache

The cache, a custom-made bottle-tops micro, is hidden behind bark pieces in a small hole in the rear base of a large distinctive multi-stumped tree with a hollow-base. A group of these highly sociable and entertaining birds, which are also popular pets, was encountered foraging through the trail-side bushes between this and #52. They are commonly seen in Nairobi gardens.

To reach the cache location: after parking at KFEET head north via Junctions 12, 11, 27, 26 - across the Waterfalls footbridge - 30 and 37 to access the Tara Path which crosses the Ruaka River just east of Huruma Village (see here for a map with trail names and Junction numbers). Follow this up to the cache location.

See GC4PD3V Karura Forest #1 for background information on the forest, including features, access, maps and useful links.

The speckled (or white-eared) mousebird (Colius striatus, also known as the bar-breasted, white-cheeked or striated coly) is the largest species of mousebird, as well as one of the most common. There are 19 sub-species, the one found in Central Kenya is C.s.kikuyensis. The name mousebird derives from their colour and their ability to scamper around tree branches using bill and feet by moving all toes forward, or both outer toes forwards and backwards (reversible outside toe or semi-zygodactyl) as if they are double jointed.

It is about 35cm long (the tail is about half) and weighs around 55g. It is a dull-mousy brown in overall colour on the back and on the head (including a prominent crest). The bill is black above and pinkish below. Their tail is softer and longer than other mousebirds and has 12 feathers rather than the others 10.

It is not known for its voice although it is a noisy creature. It makes a warbling tsu-tsu call (listen here and here) and a tisk-tisk alarm call while in flight.

It is widely distributed throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa in most habitats except rainforests and more arid areas. It prefers open bushveld habitats and is widespread in savanna and open woodlands, as well as areas with tangled thickets. It is a common ‘backyard bird’ often seen in urban areas that contain gardens and orchards.

It is a folivore and frugivore subsisting on foliage, buds, flowers, blossoms, fruits (ripe and unripe), berries, leaves, seeds and nectar, but also some insects such as ant and termites, and is fairly strict in its choice of food from area to area. They also consume clay-earth, which helps if they have eaten any plant matter that contains toxins.

See here for more photos.

Continues with Karura Forest #52 . . .