Short-winged Cisticola

Cisticola brachypterus

Description:

Also known as the Siffling Cisticola, this small bird (~10 cm) is a fairly short tailed cisticola lacking a rufous head. Cisticolas are widespread through the Old World's tropical and sub-tropical regions. Africa is home to almost all species.

Habitat:

Subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and drysavanna. Spotted here on Chumbe Island in open bush close to the beach.

Notes:

Thanks to Liam and Atul for help with ID! Chumbe Island is a coral nature reserve off Zanzibar developed since 1991. Find out more about Chumbe Island at http://www.chumbeisland.com

2 Species ID Suggestions

Atul 12 years ago

Tiny Cisticola

Cisticola nanus Tiny Cisticola

Atul 12 years ago

Siffling (Short-winged) Cisticola

Cisticola brachypterus On bush | the Internet Bird Collection

13 Comments

DanielePralong 12 years ago

Thanks Satyen!

Wild Things 12 years ago

Lovely bird.

DanielePralong 12 years ago

Finalized the ID for this tiny guy. Thanks Liam ad Atul!

DanielePralong 12 years ago

Yes, it's definitely lacking the rufous cap of the tiny cisticola...

Atul 12 years ago

its much closer to your spotting than the tiny cisticola..!!

DanielePralong 12 years ago

Hi Atul! Thanks! Looking at my African bird book both are possible for this area. I also feel the description for the Short-winged Cisticola fits better, as also suggested by Liam...

Atul 12 years ago

hi Daniele This ones really difficult !!!
i have suggested 2 ids the first one Siffling (Short-winged) Cisticola i feel is more appropriate ,hope this helps ...

DanielePralong 12 years ago

Thanks Liam! I'll check my African birds guide book for the distribution of Cisticola.

Liam 12 years ago

Looks like a species of Cisticola (great names in that family: Lazy Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola etc.). Try the Short-winged Cisticola (Cisticola brachypterus):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-winge...