Lynes's cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Uganda and Kenya. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane grasslands, particularly in the highlands of Uganda and Kenya. It favors tussocky grass, moorland edges, and damp grassy valleys, often near bogs and seeps. The species keeps close to dense cover and uses grass stems for foraging and nesting. It may also utilize lightly grazed pastures and fallow fields if sufficient tall grass remains.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Lynes's cisticola is a small warbler of high-altitude grasslands in the East African highlands, named after the ornithologist Hubert Lynes. It keeps low in tall grass but performs brief display flights while singing. As with many cisticolas, it can be tricky to identify and is best recognized by habitat, song, and the warm rufous tones in the wings and tail.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as territorial pairs during the breeding season, with individuals keeping low and moving mouse-like through grass. The nest is a domed or oval structure placed low in dense grass. Pairs defend small territories and may remain in the same area year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of dry, insect-like trills and ticking notes delivered from a grass stem or during a short parachuting display flight. Calls are sharp chips and tsip notes used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Upperparts are streaked brown with a warm rufous tone on the wings and tail; underparts are buffy to greyish with a cleaner belly. Tail is graduated with dark subterminal bars, often fanned during display. The face is fairly plain with a faint pale supercilium and fine streaking on the mantle.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from grass blades and stems. It picks prey while clambering through vegetation and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flushed insects. Seeds are taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, tall grasses of montane meadows, moorland margins, and damp seepage areas. It stays close to cover, often moving just above the ground or midway up grass stems.
