The Cape Rock-Thrush 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.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in eastern and southern South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, favoring rocky slopes, escarpments, and cliffs. It occupies montane grassland edges, fynbos-covered ridges, and Karoo-like rocky scrub, and will also use quarries and rocky structures in towns. Pairs maintain territories year-round, with some seasonal shifts to lower elevations during colder months.
Altitude Range
0–3200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Cape rock thrush is a striking southern African chat that favors cliffs, boulder-strewn hillsides, and rocky gorges. Males perch conspicuously on rocks to deliver rich, melodious songs that carry across valleys. It often nests in crevices, road cuttings, and even building nooks, showing a notable tolerance of human-altered rocky habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, holding territories year-round. The nest is placed in a rock crevice, ledge, or man-made niche and is a neat cup of grass and rootlets. Clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs; both adults provision the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of clear whistles and phrases, often delivered from prominent rocky perches. The song is varied and far-carrying, with occasional mimicry of other species.
Plumage
Male with slate-blue head and upper mantle, bright rufous-orange underparts and rump, darker wings with a pale wing panel; female is brownish and finely mottled with warm rufous wash below and less contrast overall.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and other arthropods, taken by pouncing from a perch or gleaning among rocks. It also consumes small fruits and berries, especially in cooler months when insects are less abundant. Occasional small invertebrates are taken from shallow soil or leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Forages on rocky hillsides, cliff ledges, and boulder-strewn ground, moving between exposed perches and shaded crevices. It also feeds along paths, road cuttings, and in gardens near rocky outcrops.
