The forest rock thrush is a songbird in the family Muscicapidae, formerly placed in the Turdidae together with the other chats. It now includes Benson's rock thrush and Amber Mountain rock thrush as subspecies.
Region
Madagascar (northern and eastern highlands)
Typical Environment
Found in humid evergreen and montane forests of northern and eastern Madagascar, including Montagne d’Ambre and portions of the central highlands. It frequents forest edges, gaps, and rocky outcrops within otherwise closed-canopy forest. The species also uses secondary growth and degraded forest where sufficient cover and perches remain. It is generally local but can be fairly common in protected areas with intact habitat.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The forest rock thrush is a Malagasy songbird in the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), formerly grouped with thrushes. Taxonomically, Benson's rock thrush and the Amber Mountain rock thrush are now treated as subspecies. It favors forest edges and rocky clearings within humid forests. Ongoing deforestation in Madagascar is its main threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in suitable forest edge and rocky habitats. Nests are placed in cavities, rocky crevices, or protected ledges, lined with fine plant material. Both sexes participate in territory defense; the male often sings from prominent perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of whistles and short phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chuks used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Males show slaty-blue to blue-grey upperparts with rich rufous to orange underparts and tail; females are brownish and heavily mottled with fine scalloping and a paler belly. Both sexes have relatively plain wings with subtle edging and a slightly contrasting tail. The overall look is compact with a neat, thrush-like stance.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from the ground, low branches, and rocks. It also sallies from perches to snatch flying insects. Occasional small fruits may be taken, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, light gaps, and rocky clearings where leaf litter and low perches are available. Often uses boulders, logs, and low branches as vantage points for pouncing or short sallies.
