Mocking Cliff Chat

Rotbauchschmätzer (females ) in the Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

The Rotbauchschmätzer ( Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris ) is a species of bird in the family of flycatchers ( Muscicapidae ).

Description

The appearance of male and female birds is different: The male has a black plumage, only the lower body part and the belly are colored in a strong Maroon. A white line on the shoulder is characteristic.

The female has a gray plumage. The chestnut- red areas on belly and torso are less strongly pronounced, the white shoulder line is missing.

The adult animals reach a size of 19-21 cm. Juveniles resemble the females in appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

The Rotbauchschmätzer on rock face and wooded, rocky slopes at home. Its distribution area is the south-eastern Africa (eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe ). It is widespread and not in danger.

Swell

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa. 2nd edition 1997