Pale-crowned Cisticola
NamePale-crowned Cisticola
Common NamePale-crowned Cisticola
Scientific NameCisticola cinnamomeus
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsThis species features a distinctive pale, unstreaked crown, contrasting with streaked brown upperparts. Its underparts are pale buffy-white, sometimes with a rufous wash on the flanks. The tail is relatively short.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of high-pitched, often insect-like 'tsip' or 'tseep' notes, which can sometimes form a trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Pale-crowned Cisticola is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa eastward to parts of East Africa, and south into Southern Africa.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Pale, unstreaked crown, Streaked brown back, Pale underparts, Short tail, Skulking behavior in dense grass
Description
The Pale-crowned Cisticola is a small, rather plain cisticola typically found in grasslands and savannas. It is known for its skulking behavior, often remaining hidden within dense vegetation.
