Orange-breasted Rock Jumper

Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

The orange-breasted rock jumper is resticted to an alpine habitat in central Drakensberg and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. It is closely related to only one other bird, the cape rock jumper, so the family survives only in South Africa. Within their territory rock jumpers perch conspicuously on rocks and are relatively easy to spot and photograph, although constantly on the move.

Feeding

It forages amongst rocks and screes for insects such as caterpillars, beetles, moths, and flies. It will also take geckos and lizards, scorpions and spiders and worms.

Breeding

The rock jumpers are ground nesters choosing sites beneath rock overhangs and building nests lined with fur from local hares or fluffy protea seed pods. Interestingly, breeding is often a cooperative venture involving not only the parents but also offspring from the previous breeding season who will share in defence, warning of danger, and feeding chicks.

Wildfile Extras

• Offsprings' protective role is important as ground nesting rock jumpers are frequent victims of predation by snakes and carnivore mammals and raptors.