Red-Faced Mousebird

The Red-Faced Mousebird, Urocolius indicus, is very common in South Africa, even considered a pest, for destroying fruits and leaves of many trees.  But it's actually a charming little bird!  Mousebirds only occur in Africa, and there are six recognized species.  The name is apt, since they are very mouselike: grey, with soft, hair-like plumage, long, narrow tails, and a habit of clambering and scurrying through vegetation.  They're very social, usually occurring in small flocks.  Acrylic painting.