The red-winged prinia or the red-winged warbler is a bird species in the family Cisticolidae. It formerly belonged in the monotypic genus Heliolais. It is found in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where its natural habitat is dry savanna.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from West Africa across the Sahel and savanna belt into Central and East Africa. Prefers dry savanna, open woodland edges, thorn scrub, and bushy grasslands with scattered trees. Often found in Acacia-Commiphora habitats, fallow fields, and the margins of cultivation. Avoids dense closed forest but uses bushy riverine edges and rocky, scrub-covered hillsides.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the red-winged warbler, this small cisticolid is notable for its striking rufous wing panel that flashes in flight. It is an active, skulking species of dry savannas and thorn scrub, often seen in pairs or small family parties. Formerly placed in the monotypic genus Heliolais, it is now treated within Prinia.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering dashes between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Monogamous pairs build a small, domed or oval nest low in shrubs or dense grass, woven from fine plant fibers. Both sexes participate in nesting duties and often remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high, buzzy trills and sharp chips delivered from a low perch or during brief display flights. Calls include dry ticking notes used to keep contact in dense cover.
