Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Cape Rock Thrush

IN this issue, we feature a species that is very habitat specific and as the name suggests, you must visit ‘rocky’ areas to find it. It is quite a chirpy and pretty bird so when you do spot it, you will be well rewarded!

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Black-bellied Starling

Description

This is a medium-sized bird with an overall length of 21 to 22cm and a weight of 60g. Males vary in colouration from females. Males have a distinctive bright blue-grey head with the rest of the plumage mainly a rusty orange colour. The upper-wing feathers are dark brown with orange edges. Females are duller in colouration with a brown head, and the outer tail feathers are reddish, like the male’s.

Distribution

The Cape Rock Thrush is found throughout the entire eastern part of South Africa from the Western Cape through to Limpopo Province, including most of Gauteng.

Habitat

This species has a very restricted habitat and will only be found on cliffs and rocky hillsides with relatively high rainfall. They enjoy perching on high spots, and they are often seen in pairs.

Feeding

The Cape Rock Thrush is by and large insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and cockroaches. It also feeds on fruit and seeds and occasionally will feed on small frogs and even skinks. It enjoys the nectar of the Aloe Ferox (Bitter Aloe). Feeding is almost always done on the ground or in between rocks.

Breeding

The Cape Rock Thrush is monogamous and pairs for life. The males are very protective of their territory and will aggressively chase away any competitors or intruders into his territory. The nest is cup-shaped, approximately 100mm in diameter and is usually an untidy pile of twigs, grass, and soil. The nest is built on rock ledges, crevices and occasionally in buildings. The nest-laying in our area is from November to December, and two to four eggs are laid and incubated almost exclusively by the female. The eggs take 14 to 16 days to hatch. Feeding of the chicks is done by both parents.

Predators and threats

This species is not threatened and is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Local information

You will need to go to areas of the Upper Highway that have exposed cliffs. Good areas are Monteseel and Kloof Gorge.

Interesting facts

The male Cape Rock Thrush does all the singing and has a pleasant, chirpy song: tsee-tsee-tseet-chee-chweeeoo. It adds to its repertoire by mimicking other birds.

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