Drakensberg Rockjumper
NameDrakensberg Rockjumper
Common NameDrakensberg Rockjumper
Scientific NameChaetops aurantius
FamilyChaetopidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)44
Plumage DetailsMales feature a grey head with a prominent white supercilium and a black eye-stripe, contrasting with bright orange-rufous underparts. Their back and wings are dark brown to blackish. Females are duller overall, with a less distinct supercilium and paler rufous underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a loud, ringing 'wee-chup-chup-chup' or 'chup-chup-chup-chup' call, often delivered from a prominent rock. They also produce various chirps and alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the high-altitude Drakensberg Mountains, spanning parts of Lesotho and eastern South Africa.
Identifying Featuresorange-rufous underparts, grey head with white supercilium, black eye-stripe, terrestrial behavior on rocky slopes, loud ringing call
Description
The Drakensberg Rockjumper is a striking, medium-sized terrestrial bird endemic to the high-altitude rocky grasslands of the Drakensberg mountains. It is known for its distinctive plumage and habit of hopping and running among rocks and boulders, rarely taking to flight.
