The pale-crowned cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found in open habitats such as moist to seasonally wet grasslands, savannas, floodplains, and marsh edges. Prefers areas with tall, dense grasses and sedges that provide cover and nest sites. Common along riverine meadows and the fringes of wetlands, and may also use fallow fields and roadsides with rank growth. Avoids closed forests and extremely arid, sparsely vegetated terrain. During the breeding season it keeps territories in thick grass where it forages close to the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Pale-crowned cisticolas are small, grassland-dwelling warblers known for their subtle plumage and distinctive display flights. They often remain low in dense grasses, making them easier to hear than to see. Nests are typically intricately woven pouches or domes stitched to grass stems. Their presence is a good indicator of healthy grassy wetlands and savannas.
Temperament
skulking but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend small territories. The nest is a small, domed or purse-like structure woven from grasses and often attached to standing stems. They are generally monogamous and show strong site fidelity to suitable patches of tall grass.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a thin, insect-like series of ticks and sizzles, often delivered from a low perch or during a brief song flight. Calls include soft tchik notes and dry trills. Males repeat short phrases persistently at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Fine, streaked or plain brown upperparts with a washed, pale crown contrasting subtly with the nape; underparts pale buff to whitish with minimal streaking. Tail short and slightly graduated with darker subterminal shading. Overall soft, plain textures that blend well into grassy backgrounds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. It gleans prey from grass blades and seed heads, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is methodical and close to the ground, taking advantage of dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages within tall, rank grasses, sedges, and rushes along wet meadows, floodplains, and marsh edges. Will also use overgrown pastures and fallow fields where cover is adequate. Stays within a meter or two of the ground and moves in and out of cover frequently.
