Blue Rock Thrush
Monticola solitarius
The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush. Monticola is a monophyletic clade as all member species share a common ancestor. M. Voice: The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than, the call of the rock thrush. The Europe and Asia groups both have a "short song and a long song, consisting of similar melodious whistles, trills and more burry notes." Generally, the vocalizations are similar in both groups.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cape Rock Thrush
Monticola rupestris
This bird is large and stocky for a rock thrush, measuring 21-22 cm (8.26in) in length. The adult male during the summer features a blue-grey head, orange underparts and outer tail feathers, and brown wings and back. Females have a brown head and richer orange underparts compared to other female rock thrushes. Vocalizations are an important aspect of this species’ behavior. The male produces a whistled song described as “tsee-tsee-tseet-chee-chweeeoo” and is known to mimic other bird species.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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