A group of six African bird species that, because of their long, drooping tails, look much like mice when seen running along branches. The body is sparrow sized, but the tail makes the total length 30–35 centimetres (roughly 12 to 14 inches). Colies sometimes climb like parrots, using the curved finchlike bill for grasping twigs. They also can hang by the feet, swinging beneath a branch using their rear toe, which can be rotated outward and fully forward, to obtain a strong clinging grip.

Colies huddle together to sleep or to preen one another. Small parties move from tree to tree feeding on buds and fruits. In some localities colies damage fruit crops.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mousebird

Coly. (2011). Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica

http://www.oiseaux.net/birds/coliidae.html