The chirping cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland and swamps.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
This species occupies seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands, floodplains, and swamp margins. It favors tall sedges and grasses along rivers, dambos, and ephemeral wetlands. It also uses lightly grazed floodplains and moist vleis with scattered reeds. During drier periods it remains near residual wet patches and drainage lines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chirping cisticola is a small, grassland warbler best identified by its dry, repetitive chirp delivered from low song flights or exposed perches. It weaves a neat, domed nest low in grasses, often binding leaves together with spider silk. Despite being common in suitable wetlands, it stays low and can be hard to see, relying on its voice for detection.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering song flights
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense grass. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season. The nest is a domed structure stitched into grasses, with the female doing most of the construction using plant fibers and spider silk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, dry chirp or ticking series delivered persistently, often from a low perch or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp tcks and soft contact notes within cover.
