Cape Rockthrush
Monticola rupestris
Silhouette: Martin Bulla, based on François Desbordes' illustration · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyMuscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers, Robins, and Chats)
- GenusMonticola (Rock-Thrushes)
- SpeciesMonticola rupestris (Cape Rockthrush)
About the Cape Rockthrush
The Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris) 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.
The Cape Rock-Thrush belongs to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Passeriformes, Family Muscicapidae, Genus Monticola, and Species rupestris. The bird was named for its geographic location in the Cape region of southern Africa and its preference for rocky habitats, where it lives among rocks and cliffs. The scientific name Monticola rupestris reinforces this, with "Monticola" meaning "mountain-dweller" and "rupestris" meaning "living among rocks."
This bird is large and stocky for a rock thrush, measuring 21-22 cm (8.26in) in length. The adult male during the summer features a blue-grey head, orange underparts and outer tail feathers, and brown wings and back. Females have a brown head and richer orange underparts compared to other female rock thrushes.
Vocalizations are an important aspect of this species’ behavior. The male produces a whistled song described... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cape Rockthrush in Pilanesberg National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Pilanesberg National Park
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Kalahari Scrub Robin
Erythropygia paena
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Cossypha humeralis
Familiar Chat
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Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
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African Stonechat
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Spotted Flycatcher
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Fiscal Flycatcher
Sigelus silens
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Pilanesberg National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 5 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 6 | Kruger National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Cape Rockthrush in Pilanesberg National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Cape Rockthrush sighting in Pilanesberg National Park, based on 10 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Cape Rockthrush in Pilanesberg National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Cape Rockthrush in Pilanesberg National Park in our monthly data.