Babblers (Timaliidae)

Rockrunner (Achaetops pycnopygius) - HBW 12, p. 290

French: Achétopse à flancs roux German: Klippensänger Spanish: Saltarrocas de Damara
Other common names: Damara Rockjumper

Taxonomy: Sphenoeacus pycnopygius P. L. Sclater, 1853, Omaruru River, Damaraland, Namibia.
Affinities uncertain. Often placed in genus Chaetops on basis of similarities in osteology and habitat, but entirely distinct in behaviour and voice; possibly does not belong in present family, and has been suggested, in part on basis of molecular evidence, that placement closer to sylviid genus Sphenoeacus more appropriate (although familial affinity of latter open to question). Further research required. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution: