Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush
A species of Rock-thrushes, Also known as Mountain Rock-thrush Scientific name : Monticola saxatilis Genus : Rock-thrushes
Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush, A species of Rock-thrushes
Also known as:
Mountain Rock-thrush
Botanical name: Monticola saxatilis
Genus: Rock-thrushes
Content
Description General Info
Description
This is a medium-sized but stocky thrush 17–20 cm in length. The summer male is unmistakable, with a blue-grey head, orange underparts and outer tail feathers, dark brown wings and white back. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown scaly upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The outer tail feathers are reddish, like the male.
Size
19 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Blue
Orange
Feeding Habits
Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush consumes a diet of insects, berries, and small reptiles, foraging actively, particularly at dawn or dusk. Known for distinctive eating habits that adapt to seasonal availability, rufous-tailed Rock-thrush exhibits flexible foraging techniques to exploit diverse food resources.
Habitat
The rufous-tailed Rock-thrush thrives in a variety of open, arid landscapes, favoring hilly and mountainous terrains. Its habitat encompasses regions mainly above 1500 meters, including rocky mountainsides, barren heaths, craggy gorges, and upland farmlands with stone structures. Beyond the breeding season, the rufous-tailed Rock-thrush adapts to a broader range of areas, from sea cliffs to lowland scrub and even urban environments. During migrations, it can be found as high as 5000 meters in the Himalayas, while in winter, it occupies less specific open habitats like grasslands and woodlands across Africa.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Behavior
This species breeds in open dry hilly areas, usually above 1500 m. It nests in rock cavities, laying 4–5 eggs. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, berries and small reptiles. The male common rock thrush has a clear and tuneful song.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Old world flycatchers Genus
Rock-thrushes Species
Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush