Tinkling Cisticola
NameTinkling Cisticola
Common NameTinkling Cisticola
Scientific NameCisticola rufilatus
FamilyCisticolidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaked brown, contrasting with a prominent rufous crown and a pale supercilium above the eye. Underparts are whitish, often with a rufous wash on the flanks, and the tail is relatively short.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, high-pitched 'tinkling' song, often delivered as a series of metallic notes that can accelerate or vary in pitch, giving the bird its common name.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown, Pale supercilium, Streaked brown upperparts, Whitish underparts with rufous flanks, Distinctive tinkling call, Small size
Description
The Tinkling Cisticola is a small, rather plain passerine bird characterized by its streaked brown upperparts, rufous crown, and pale underparts. It typically inhabits dry woodlands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa, where it forages for insects and is known for its distinctive, high-pitched 'tinkling' song.
