Rockrunner
NameRockrunner
Common NameRockrunner
Scientific NameAchaetops pycnopygius
FamilyMacrosphenidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)22.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull brown. The head features a prominent white supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, with a streaked crown. Underparts are whitish on the belly, heavily streaked dark brown on the breast and throat, and become rufous-orange on the flanks and vent.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a loud, ringing 'chip-chip-chip' or 'chee-chee-chee' call, sometimes described as a whistling 'pee-pee-pee'. It also gives a harsh alarm call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southwestern Africa, primarily found in Namibia and southwestern Angola.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white supercilium, Heavily streaked breast and throat, Rufous-orange flanks and vent, Long tail, Terrestrial behavior in rocky habitats
Description
The Rockrunner is a medium-sized, terrestrial bird endemic to rocky habitats of southwestern Africa. It is characterized by its long tail, distinctive striped head, and warm rufous underparts, often seen hopping among boulders and sparse vegetation.
