The cloud cisticola or tink-tink cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia, and its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across dry to mesic lowland grasslands, from coastal plains to interior savanna edges. It frequents rank, tufted grasses, old fields, road verges, and lightly grazed pastures, often near scattered shrubs. In some areas it uses grassy drainage lines and fallow agricultural plots. It tends to avoid dense woodland and closed forest, staying in open to semi-open grassy habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the tink-tink cisticola for its sharp, metallic call, this small warbler keeps low in grass and is often detected by voice before sight. It builds a ball-shaped nest by stitching grass leaves together with spider silk, a hallmark of the genus. Pairs hold territories and perform brief display flights over grassy patches.
Cloud cisticola in KwaZulu-Natal
Temperament
skulking but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights over grass
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding small territories. Monogamous pairs nest low in grass, weaving a discreet, ball-shaped structure lined with fine plant fibers. Outside breeding, it may join loose mixed flocks of small insectivores along grassy margins but generally remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sharp, metallic tink-tink given in repeated series from a low perch or during a brief display hop. Also emits dry trills and ticking notes while foraging, with an accelerating sequence during excitement.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with darker streaking and a slightly rufous wash on the crown and wings; underparts buff to off-white with faint dusky mottling on the flanks. Tail short and often held cocked, with faint dark barring. Plumage looks 'clouded' or mottled, especially in non-breeding birds.
Diet
Takes small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, caterpillars, and flies, along with spiders and other small arthropods. Gleans prey from grass stems and seedheads, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is mostly low and methodical, with frequent pauses for calling.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in rank or tussocky grasslands, road verges, and lightly disturbed fields where insect density is high. Often keeps within 0.5–1 m of the ground, moving through cover and along edges of shrubs or scattered forbs.
