The black-lored cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, favoring subtropical to tropical dry shrubland, rank grasslands, and edges of miombo and Brachystegia woodlands. It frequents brushy slopes, valley thickets, and lightly wooded savannas with dense ground cover. Birds typically remain close to the ground, moving between clumps of grass and low shrubs. It can persist in semi-degraded habitats if sufficient cover remains but avoids very open or heavily wooded areas.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, skulking warbler of dry shrublands and woodland edges, the black-lored cisticola is named for its distinctive dark patch between the bill and the eye. It often keeps low in grasses and bushes, cocking its short tail and making brief display flights. Its song is a series of thin, buzzy notes delivered from a perch or during a fluttering ascent. The species is localized but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, defending small territories within suitable shrubland. Nests are compact, domed structures of grasses placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain contact with soft calls while foraging and may perform brief aerial displays during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, buzzy series of ticks and trills, often delivered from a low perch or during a short ascending flight. Calls include dry chips and soft tzz notes. Repetition and rhythm are key to detection in dense cover.
Plumage
Upperparts are warm brown with darker streaking, wings slightly rufous-toned, and underparts buffy to grayish with lighter throat. Tail is short, often cocked, with dark subterminal bars. The lores are distinctly black, contrasting with a pale eyebrow.
Diet
Feeds mostly on small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants, as well as spiders and other arthropods. Prey is gleaned from grass stems, leaves, and low twigs, or taken by short sallies. Foraging is methodical and close to the ground, with brief pauses for scanning.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense grasses and low shrubs along woodland edges, fallows, and brushy savanna. Often selects areas with a mosaic of tall grass clumps and open patches that facilitate short hops and pounces.
