The long-tailed cisticola, also known as the Tabora cisticola, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Africa, where it occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.
Region
East-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania to Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. It inhabits dry savanna, tall grasslands, and open scrub with scattered bushes or termitaria. The species also uses edges of miombo woodland and lightly cultivated areas with remnant tall grass. It keeps close to the ground and often forages in recently burned grasslands as new shoots emerge.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Tabora cisticola, this small warbler is named after the Tabora region of Tanzania. It favors dry savannas and tall grasslands where its very long, graduated tail and persistent calls help with identification. Like many cisticolas, it stays low in vegetation and is more often heard than seen. Its population is considered stable across much of East-Central Africa.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over grass
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, maintaining territories during the breeding season. Builds a domed or purse-like nest low in tall grass. Likely monogamous, with breeding tied to local rainy seasons. Males perform display flights and tail-fanning while vocalizing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a repetitive, insect-like series of notes and trills delivered from a perch or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp ticks and soft churrs. Vocal activity increases at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with dark streaking, rufous-tinged wings, and paler buff underparts; tail very long and graduated, often held cocked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from grass stems and leaves and makes short sallies to capture flushed insects. May occasionally take small seeds or other invertebrates when available. Foraging is mostly low and within dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Tall, rank grasses in dry savanna, edges of scrub, and post-burn regrowth areas. Often forages along pathways and field margins where insects are concentrated. Uses cover to remain concealed while searching for prey.
