Cloud Cisticola
NameCloud Cisticola
Common NameCloud Cisticola
Scientific NameCisticola textrix
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown and buff, with a rufous-brown crown that is finely streaked. The underparts are whitish to buffy. It has a relatively short tail and often displays a pale supercilium above the eye.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, tinkling or sizzling song given during display flights, often described as "tsee-tsee-tsee" or "chip-chip-chip". It also has various short, sharp calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Southern Africa, found in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and parts of Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Streaky brown plumage, Rufous-brown crown, Short tail, Tinkling display flight song, Grassland habitat
Description
A very small, streaky brown cisticola found in grasslands of Southern Africa. It is known for its distinctive display flight, during which it performs a "tinkling" song. This species typically forages for insects among dense grass.
