Cape Rockjumper
Chaetops frenatus
Rocky hillsides. Male has black-and-white upperparts and throat; rufous breast and rump. Female rufous below with streaked breast; speckled above.
Chats, Robins, Thrushes
NT
Rare Endemic
Description
Common, localised endemic resident. Range does not overlap with that of [Drakensberg Rockjumper]. Unmistakable, with bold white malar stripe contrasting with black throat and red rump and underparts. From close range, the red eye is diagnostic. Male more richly rufous than male of [Drakensberg Rockjumper]; female has less black about the head and dull rufous underparts. The call is a rapid whistle ‘pee-pee-pee-pee-pee…’. Pairs and small parties occur on rocky mountain slopes within the fynbos biome. Hops and runs from rock to rock in a lively manner, or flies from one outcrop to another, raising and spreading its tail after landing to expose broad white tail-tips.
Quick Facts
Size
25 cm - M
Names
A: Kaapse Berglyster
G: Kap-Felsenspringer
Bird Family
Largely terrestrial, insectivorous or frugivorous birds that sing from trees, some robins rating as among our finest songsters. The sexes are alike unless otherwise stated, while immatures usually have the feathers of the upperparts pale-edged, the underparts spotted.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs and small parties occur on rocky mountain slopes within the 'fynbos' biome.
