Mousebirds: Coliiformes

The mousebird order received its name because the birds look like mice when they creep around on the ground and tree branches. Mousebirds have gray or brown plumage (feathers) and patches of other coloring. These birds, also known as colies (KOHL-eez), range in head-to-tail length from 10.2 to 15.7 inches (26 to 39.8 centimeters). Mousebirds' pointed tails make up more than half of that length.

Mousebirds have crests, clumps of feathers on their head. Birds have short red legs and feet. Mousebirds' small, curved bills are strong enough to break the skin off fruit.