The Kilombero cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Tanzania.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs almost exclusively in the seasonally flooded grasslands and sedge-dominated wetlands of the Kilombero floodplain. It favors tall, rank grasses with scattered sedges and patches of open wet ground. During higher water, it keeps to slightly elevated or denser grass stands; in drier phases it forages more widely across the floodplain. It avoids closed woodland and dry cultivated fields, remaining tied to natural floodplain vegetation.
Altitude Range
200–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kilombero cisticola is a small warbler endemic to the Kilombero floodplain of south-central Tanzania and was only recently described to science. It is best identified by its distinctive display song and preference for seasonally inundated tall grasslands. Habitat conversion for agriculture and altered flooding regimes pose key threats to this localized species.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over grass
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories during the breeding season. Nests are neat, domed structures placed low in dense grasses, woven from fine blades and lined with softer material. Pairs defend nest areas vocally, with males performing display flights over territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, insect-like series of buzzy trills and tinkling notes, often delivered from a short display flight or exposed grass stem. Calls include thin chips and soft tzet notes used for contact within pairs.
Plumage
Fine, streaked brown upperparts with a warmer rufous tinge on the wings and a paler buffy to grayish underbody; tail is graduated with darker central feathers and paler edges. Feathers appear soft and somewhat fluffy when the bird is relaxed, aiding camouflage among grasses.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, along with spiders and other arthropods. Gleans prey from grass stems and leaves and occasionally makes short sallies to catch disturbed insects. May take small seeds opportunistically but relies primarily on invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, waist-high grasses and sedges of seasonally flooded plains, especially along slightly elevated hummocks and at the edges of wetter patches. Often stays low, moving through stems and making brief ascents to exposed perches.
