The little rock thrush is a species of passerine bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen. It is found in rocky areas with some trees, and sometimes near settlements. At 15 to 16 centimetres this is the smallest of the Muscicapidae. The male has the head, throat and upper mantle blue-grey, the underparts orange-red, except for the center blackish center tail and tips which form an inverted T shape. The female is duller and paler. It is readily mistaken for a redstart because of its habit of trembling its tail.
Region
Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs from Eritrea and Ethiopia south through Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and northern Tanzania, and across the Red Sea in Yemen, Oman, and southwestern Saudi Arabia. Prefers rocky slopes, cliffs, wadis, and boulder-strewn hillsides with sparse shrubs or scattered trees. It also frequents stone terraces and the edges of settlements, using walls, buildings, and ruins as perches. Local movements may occur in response to rainfall and food availability, but populations are largely sedentary.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small rock-thrush of arid hills and escarpments, it often perches on boulders, walls, and outcrops near scattered trees. Males show a striking blue‑grey head and rich rufous underparts, while females are duller and paler. It habitually trembles or flicks its tail, which can lead to confusion with redstarts. Nests are placed in crevices, cavities, or holes among rocks and buildings.
Little rock thrush in the gorge at Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
Temperament
wary but tolerant near settlements
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes between rocks
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories on rocky slopes. Nests in crevices, holes, or cavities among rocks, cliffs, and walls; sometimes uses man-made structures. Both parents attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mellow series of whistled phrases and short trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chatters, often given during tail-flicking displays.
