Cossypha natalensis (near endemic)

This stunning species is the only robin-chat with a plain rufous face and a blue-grey back and wings. Its melodious call fills its thicket, forest and dense woodland habitats, where it is a common resident or local migrant.

This shy bird is a regular sighting in our folk’s garden in Ocean View on the south coast of KwaZulu Natal, where it breeds in summer.