Monticola brevipes (endemic)

This awesome, endemic rock thrush prefers alpine grassland and heathlands on hills. The male of the species is separated from its peers by its long legs and its blue-grey head colour extending onto mid-breast, back and shoulders.

I first recorded this species in May 2011 while on a game drive in Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. This is definitely one of the best spots to see this altitudinal migrant, specifically in winter and reliably near burnt grasslands.