Cape Rock Thrush

The Cape rock thrush (Monticola rupestris) is a robust member of the Muscicapidae family, displaying sexual dimorphism in its plumage. Males are particularly striking with a blue-grey head, vivid orange underparts, and outer tail feathers, complemented by a brown back and wings. Females, while more subdued, boast a brown head with underparts of a richer orange than seen in other female rock thrushes, and their outer tail feathers share the reddish hue of the male's.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their blue-grey heads and vibrant orange underparts. Females and immatures are more cryptically colored, with females sporting a brown head and immatures featuring buff spots on the upperparts and black scaling on the underparts. The species measures 19–21 cm in length, making it a large example of rock thrushes.

Habitat

This species favors mountainous rocky areas with interspersed vegetation, where it can be found perched prominently or foraging on the ground.

Distribution

The Cape rock thrush is endemic to eastern and southern South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not typically migrate, although it may move to different altitudes seasonally within its range.

Behaviour

The Cape rock thrush is non-migratory, with some populations exhibiting altitudinal movements. It is often seen alone or in pairs, perched conspicuously on rocks or darting to the ground in search of prey.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a melodious whistle, rendered as tsee-tsee-tseet-chee-chweeeoo, and he may also engage in mimicry of other bird species.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in rocky mountainous areas, where 2-3 eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest, carefully placed in a rock cavity or on a ledge to provide protection from predators and the elements.

Diet and Feeding

The Cape rock thrush has a varied diet that includes a wide range of insects, other small animals, and some berries, which it forages for on the ground.

Conservation status

The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction in its natural habitat.