The dambo cisticola or cloud-scraping cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Angola, the DRC and Zambia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in Angola, the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia, where it inhabits seasonally flooded lowland grasslands known as dambos. It favors moist sedge- and grass-dominated swales, drainage lines, and the edges of shallow pans on plateaus. During wetter periods it forages in taller, denser grasses; in the dry season it may shift to greener patches and seepage zones. It is generally localized but can be fairly common where suitable habitat is extensive.
Altitude Range
900–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the ‘dambos’—seasonally waterlogged grasslands of south-central Africa—this small warbler is also called the cloud-scraping cisticola for its high, fluttering display flights. It is notoriously difficult to identify by plumage alone; voice and habitat are key. Pairs defend territories in wet grasslands and often respond quickly to playback or imitated calls.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering song-flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable wet grassland. Builds a discreet, domed or cup-like nest low in grasses. Pairs are monogamous within a breeding season, and males perform aerial displays over territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, buzzy trills and ticking notes, often delivered during elevated display flights over the grass. The song is repetitive and carries well in open habitats, aiding territory advertisement and mate attraction.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine dark streaking, slightly rufous-toned wings and crown, and pale buff underparts grading to whitish throat. Tail is long and graduated with darker subterminal bars and paler tips. Overall appearance is subtly patterned and best separated by habitat and voice.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, and spiders. Gleans prey from grass stems and seedheads and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flushed insects. Foraging is low to the ground and methodical, often within dense sedges.
Preferred Environment
Moist to wet grasslands with standing or residual water, especially sedge-dominated dambos and seepage zones. Frequently uses edges of seasonal pools, matted grasses, and recently burned patches where insects are abundant.
