The churring 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 high-elevation grassland.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in high-elevation grasslands of southern Tanzania, northern Malawi, and northeastern Zambia. Prefers open montane grasslands with tall tussocks, bracken-covered slopes, and damp valley bottoms (dambos). It often uses recently burned regrowth where insects are abundant. Avoids dense forest and heavily cultivated areas but may persist in lightly grazed pastures near intact grassland.
Altitude Range
1200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, grassland warbler named for its dry, mechanical churring song, which it delivers from low perches or brief display flights. It is often inconspicuous, keeping low in tall tussocky grass and bracken. Identification can be tricky among similar cisticolas, so voice and habitat are key clues. Its montane grassland habitat can be sensitive to burning and conversion to agriculture.
Temperament
secretive but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating display flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable grassland. Builds a woven, domed nest low in grass stems. Breeding typically coincides with the rainy season when insect prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A dry, repetitive churring or buzzing trill delivered from a low perch or during a short display flight. Calls include sharp ticks and chatters used in territorial exchanges.
Plumage
Warm brown, finely streaked upperparts with a paler, buffy underside and whitish throat; short, rounded tail with dark subterminal barring.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from grass stems and leaves and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. May take small seeds incidentally when foraging among seed heads, but insects dominate the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense tussocky grass and bracken, often near damp seepages and valley bottoms. Frequently exploits recently burned patches where new growth concentrates insects.
