The desert cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is present throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, although relatively absent from central and coastal western areas of the continent.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely from the Sahel and East Africa to southern Africa, avoiding the dense forests of the Congo Basin and much of humid coastal West Africa. Occupies semi-arid savanna, open thorn scrub, and dry grasslands with scattered bushes. Often uses overgrazed or recently burned areas with short grass and patches of bare ground. Frequents edges of fields, termitaria, and lightly wooded Acacia country. Generally absent from closed forests and extensive wetlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The desert cisticola is a small warbler of dry grasslands and scrub across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Though drab and inconspicuous on the ground, males perform buzzy display flights, especially after rains. It constructs a ball-shaped nest low in grasses, often bound with spider silk. Its insect-like trills can help distinguish it from similar cisticolas.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering, undulating display flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping low in grass and shrubs. Monogamous pairs build a ball-shaped nest low in vegetation, often using spider silk and fine grasses. Breeding typically follows seasonal rains, with males singing from exposed perches. Territorial during breeding; outside of breeding, may join loose neighborhood groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, insect-like series of buzzy trills and chips delivered from a perch or in a brief song flight. Calls include sharp ticks and churrs, repeated at intervals. The simple, repetitive nature helps separate it from more elaborate cisticola songs.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with fine darker streaking, warm buff tones on the crown and mantle, and pale buff underparts. Short, rounded, slightly graduated tail with darker subterminal markings and paler tips. Subtle buffy supercilium and pale throat; overall plain, with a finely textured, streaked back.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as grasshoppers, ants, beetles, termites, and caterpillars, and also takes spiders. Gleans from grass stems and low shrubs and picks prey from the ground. Occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flushed insects. Foraging intensity often increases after rains when insect numbers rise.
Preferred Environment
Prefers open, dry grasslands, lightly bushed savanna, and edges of cultivated fields with short vegetation. Often forages near bare patches, termitaria, and along tracks where prey is easier to see.
