The red-winged grey warbler is a small to medium size bird in the family Cisticolidae that is native to Central Africa. It is the only species placed in the genus Drymocichla. It is mostly grey with a white underside, a long tail and a prominent red patch on the wing. It is commonly found in swamp and savanna-like environments where it breeds in the rainy season. The sexes are alike.
Region
West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
The red-winged grey warbler occurs from southern and eastern Cameroon through Equatorial Guinea and Gabon into the Republic of the Congo and western Democratic Republic of the Congo, with scattered records in the Central African Republic. It favors swampy thickets, seasonally flooded grasslands, and edges of gallery forest and savanna mosaics. Dense stands of reeds, papyrus, and rank grasses along rivers and wetlands are typical haunts. It is most frequently encountered in lowland habitats but can extend into foothills where suitable wet undergrowth persists.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the sole member of the genus Drymocichla and is notable for its bright red wing patch, which it often flashes during displays. It is a secretive, tail-flicking warbler that frequents dense, wet vegetation and breeds during the rainy season. The sexes are alike in plumage, and pairs maintain small territories in suitable habitat.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups after breeding. Pairs maintain territories in dense wet undergrowth and nest low, well concealed in thick grasses or reeds. Breeding generally coincides with the rainy season, and both adults attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of tsee and tzip notes interspersed with soft trills and buzzes. The song is delivered from low perches within cover, often accompanied by tail flicks and brief wing flashes.
