The crest is held erect and the pupils constrict and dilate with excitement. My pet, Mickey, is enthralled by paper clips and nuts and bolts. I provide colorful beads and plastic toys for all of the mousebirds. At times their curiosity can be a problem. Larger birds, dogs, and appliances are all too much for the mousebird to resist.
Personality certainly makes up for the lack of brilliant plumage.
Although all my mousebirds exhibit the behaviors I have mentioned above, each has it's own personality. Some are more insistent in their investigations while others are content to check things out and go about their business. Housing - Housing the mousebird is not a difficulty. Either a cage or aviary will suffice. The key is providing enough space to prevent damage to their long tail.