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A photo of a Cape Rock Thrush (Monticola rupestris), male
Cape Rock Thrush, Male

Cape Rock Thrush

Monticola rupestris

The Cape rock thrush (Monticola rupestris) is a member of the bird family Muscicapidae. This rock thrush breeds in eastern and southern South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. It is a common endemic resident, non-migratory apart from seasonal altitudinal movements in some areas. This species breeds in mountainous rocky areas with scattered vegetation. It lays 2-3 eggs in a cup nest in a rock cavity or on a ledge. It eats a wide range of insects and other small animals, and some berries. This is a large stocky rock thrush 19–21 cm in length. The summer male has a blue-grey head, orange underparts and outer tail feathers, and brown wings and back. Females have a brown head, but their underparts are a much richer orange than those of other female rock thrushes. The outer tail feathers are reddish, like the male's. Immatures are like the female, but the upperparts have buff spots and the underparts show black scaling. The male Cape rock thrush has a whistled song tsee-tsee-tseet-chee-chweeeoo, and occasionally mimics other birds.
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Cape Rock Thrushes on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a Cape Rock Thrush photographed in  South Africa
🦄
Bonnie Visagie
Sunday 28 May 2023 - 3:20pm
South Africa
A photo of a Cape Rock Thrush photographed in Kaapschehoop South Africa
Profile picture for Carina Blofield
Carina Blofield
Monday 22 May 2023 - 6:30am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦇
KC Koster
Saturday 13 May 2023 - 6:20am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Eloise C
Eloise C
Sunday 30 Apr 2023 - 10:55am
South Africa
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