Luapula Cisticola
NameLuapula Cisticola
Common NameLuapula Cisticola
Scientific NameCisticola luapula
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)13.5
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are plain rufous-brown, often with faint streaking on the back. Underparts are buffy-white, becoming slightly darker on the flanks. It has a relatively short tail and a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) that can be indistinct.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive high-pitched, buzzing 'zzzzzt-zzzzzt-zzzzzt' or a series of sharp 'chip' notes, often given from within dense cover.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Luapula River basin and surrounding wetlands of southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Zambia, and extending into parts of Angola and Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Plain rufous-brown plumage, Short tail, Buzzing call, Prefers dense wetland vegetation (papyrus)
Description
The Luapula Cisticola is a small, rather plain brown warbler found in dense wetland vegetation. It is typically shy and skulks within reeds and papyrus, making it difficult to observe as it forages for insects.
