Rockjumpers

Rockjumpers are a distinctive group of medium-sized birds that include two species, the Cape rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus) and the Drakensberg rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius), both endemic to southern Africa. Despite previous classifications with thrushes, warblers, and babblers, DNA studies show they are closer to the rockfowl and form their own family, Chaetopidae. These birds, named for their visually distinctive markings and colors, bear black-and-white "bridled" head patterns and orange coloration respectively. Rockjumpers have black, white, and red plumage with long white-tipped tails, red irises, and black bills and legs. Primarily ground-dwellers with small wings, they are adept at running and jumping among rocks and grass in search of insects and other small prey like lizards, rather than flying. They are social, feeding in groups that can number up to 6 or 12 individuals, depending on the species. They engage in monogamous pairing, defend territories, and may have helpers, often their own offspring, to assist with raising young. Nesting occurs on the ground with grass construction, unlike their mud-nesting rockfowl relatives. With a clutch size generally of two or three eggs, both sexes of rockjumpers incubate their clutch for about three weeks and continue to care for their fledglings with the help of their helpers for a month post-fledging.