Chirping Cisticola
NameChirping Cisticola
Common NameChirping Cisticola
Scientific NameCisticola pipiens
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsThis cisticola has a rufous-brown cap and heavily streaked dark brown upperparts. Its underparts are pale buffy-white, and it possesses a relatively short, dark bill. The tail is moderately long and often fanned during display.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a loud, repetitive, and distinctive 'chip-chip-chip' or 'chirp-chirp-chirp' song, which gives the bird its common name. The call is often delivered in a rapid, almost mechanical fashion.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Chirping Cisticola is found across central and eastern Africa, with its range extending from Cameroon east through South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, and south into Zambia and Angola.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-brown cap, Streaked dark brown upperparts, Pale buffy-white underparts, Distinctive chirping call, Preference for wetland habitats
Description
The Chirping Cisticola is a small, rather plain warbler typically found in wetland habitats. It is known for its distinctive, repetitive chirping call, often given from a prominent perch or in flight. This species forages actively among tall grasses and reeds for insects.
