The Boran cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, dry savanna, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across dry lowland and foothill zones of Ethiopia, Kenya, and adjacent parts of Uganda, favoring Acacia–Commiphora bushland, dry savanna, and open scrub with tall grasses. It also uses thornveld edges, lightly grazed pasture, and dry wooded drainage lines. Birds keep close to ground cover, moving through rank grass and low shrubs while foraging. It avoids dense forest and very wet habitats, thriving instead in semi-arid to sub-humid drylands.
Altitude Range
300–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Boran cisticola is a small, ground-favoring warbler of dry savannas and scrub, often detected by its persistent song more than by sight. Like many cisticolas, it can be difficult to identify, so voice and habitat are key clues. Males perform brief fluttering song flights above territories, then drop back into cover. Its name refers to the Borana region straddling southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief fluttering song-flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in the breeding season. Builds a small, domed nest low in grass or shrubs, often stitched together with spider silk. Pairs are likely monogamous, with both adults involved in territory defense and parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, dry series of ticks, trills, and thin phrases delivered from a low perch or during a brief aerial display. Repertoire is repetitive but distinctive within its range, aiding separation from similar cisticolas.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with fine dark mottling and a paler, buffy to whitish underside lightly washed buff on the flanks. The crown and mantle show fine streaking; wings often have warm rufous tones with darker barring. Tail is rounded with dusky bars and paler tips; feathers appear loose and softly textured.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. Gleans prey from grass stems, seed heads, and low shrubs, and occasionally makes short sallies for flying insects. Foraging is methodical and close to cover.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in tall or rank grasses, thorny scrub, and along edges of lightly wooded savanna. Frequently uses ecotones such as the margins of tracks, fields, and grazing areas where insects are concentrated.
