The chattering cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and swamps.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from the forest zone and ecotones of West Africa into the Congo Basin, frequenting rank grasses, marsh edges, and wet savanna near rainforest. It is regularly found in swamps, floodplains, wet meadows, and along river margins. The species also uses fallow fields and roadside grasslands where moisture is retained. It keeps close to dense low vegetation, rarely venturing far into open ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small warbler is named for its constant, rapid chattering calls, which often reveal it long before it is seen. It weaves a neat dome-shaped nest close to the ground using grasses and spider silk. Much of its identification in the field relies on voice and habitat, as plumage differences among cisticolas can be subtle.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief bounding flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense grass or sedge. Builds a domed or ball-shaped nest low in vegetation from fine grasses bound with spider webs. Breeding occurs during the wet season, and adults can be conspicuously vocal near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, repetitive chattering series of harsh chips and trills, often delivered from a grass stem or during a short display flight. Calls include sharp ticking notes and scolding chatters that carry over marsh vegetation.
Plumage
Small, compact cisticola with warm brown upperparts, distinctly streaked mantle, and buff to whitish underparts with a slight warm wash on the flanks. Tail is relatively short and often held cocked, with faint dark subterminal markings and pale tips. Feathers appear soft and loosely textured, aiding camouflage in grasses.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants, as well as other tiny arthropods. It gleans prey from grass blades, seed heads, and low shrubs, and will sally short distances to snatch flying insects. Occasional small spiders and soft-bodied invertebrates are taken.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, moist grasslands, reedbeds, and sedge swamps where cover is abundant. Often keeps within a meter of the ground, moving methodically through tangles and along edges of wet clearings.
