The Aberdare cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to Kenya.
Region
Central Kenya Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane grasslands and moorland edges with tall, dense tussock grasses, bracken, and sedges. It favors damp or boggy glades, grassy seeps, and the margins of heath and bamboo zones. The species is tied to intact, tall swards where it can forage and conceal its nest. It avoids heavily grazed short grass and areas converted to crops or exotic tree plantations.
Altitude Range
2000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Aberdare cisticola is a high-elevation grassland specialist confined to Kenya’s central highlands, especially around the Aberdare Range and nearby plateaus. It builds neatly woven, domed nests low in dense tussock grass. Habitat loss from agriculture, overgrazing, drainage, and plantation forestry has caused significant declines. It is a shy, skulking bird that reveals itself by its distinctive, buzzy display song from prominent grass stems.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low, fluttering flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in tall grass. Pairs build domed nests low in dense tussocks, with both sexes involved in nesting duties. Displays include song-perches and brief aerial sallies above the grass.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, buzzy, insect-like series of notes delivered from exposed grass stems or during short display flights. Phrases are repeated persistently and can carry across moorland on calm mornings. Calls include sharp ticks and soft trills.
