The river prinia is a species of bird of the family Cisticolidae. It is found in northwestern Senegal, along the Niger River, in the Lake Chad region and in northwestern Kenya. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist shrubland and swamps.
Region
Sahel and East African river systems
Typical Environment
This species is patchily distributed along major rivers and wetlands from northwestern Senegal, the Niger River and Lake Chad basin to parts of northwestern Kenya. It favors dense reedbeds, papyrus stands, and swampy shrublands along floodplains and oxbow lakes. It also uses tall grasses and riverside thickets in seasonally inundated areas. Local abundance can fluctuate with water levels and vegetation growth. It is generally absent from dry open country away from wetland cover.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The river prinia is a small warbler that keeps close to reedbeds and riverine thickets across parts of the Sahel and East Africa. It often cocks and flicks its long tail while moving mouse-like through dense vegetation. Males deliver a repetitive, tinkling song from exposed reed stems during the breeding season. Habitat changes to wetlands can strongly influence its local presence.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, keeping to dense emergent vegetation. Territories are defended during the breeding season, with males singing from exposed perches. The nest is a woven cup placed low in reeds or tall grasses, typically with a clutch of 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, tinkling series of high-pitched notes interspersed with dry trills. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy contact notes given while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Upperparts sandy to grey-brown with fine streaking, with paler, lightly streaked crown and back; underparts whitish to buff with warmer flanks. Long, graduated tail often held cocked, with pale edges and tips. Feathers are soft and sleek, suited to moving through reeds.
Diet
Primarily small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and flies, along with spiders and other arthropods. It gleans from reed stems and leaves and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch prey. It may also take larvae from within seed heads and dead vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense reedbeds, papyrus, and tall riverside grasses, often a meter or two above water or ground. Frequently forages along the edges of swamps and floodplains where emergent vegetation is thick.
