The Ethiopian cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Ethiopian Highlands, extending into the Eritrean highlands. It favors montane grasslands, moorland edges, and damp valleys with tall grasses and scattered shrubs. The species is often associated with wetlands, streams, and seasonally wet meadows, but also uses drier upland pastures with sufficient cover. It remains close to dense vegetation, moving through grasses just above ground level.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Ethiopian cisticola is a small warbler of the family Cisticolidae, confined to the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It keeps low in tall grass and sedges, where it builds a ball-shaped nest from woven plant fibers. Males deliver buzzy, insect-like songs from exposed perches or brief song flights above the grass.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bouncing, low flights over grass
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season and defends territories through song. The nest is a neat, ball-shaped structure woven from grasses and placed low in dense vegetation. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, buzzy series of insect-like notes delivered from a perch or brief song flight. Calls include sharp chips and soft trills used to keep contact within cover.
