The rock-loving cisticola, also known as the lazy cisticola, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa and is usually associated with rocky wooded terrain with interspersed patchy grass tussocks. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the Huambo cisticola.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies rocky hillsides, granite outcrops, and boulder-strewn slopes with scattered shrubs and patchy grass tussocks. It also uses edges of dry woodland and savanna where rocks break the canopy. Birds often perch on prominent stones or low shrubs to sing and survey. The species is generally resident across suitable terrain, moving locally in response to rainfall and grass growth.
Altitude Range
500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the lazy cisticola, this small warbler favors rocky slopes and kopjes where it sings from exposed boulders. It often gives slow, drawn-out notes that match its nickname. It was formerly lumped with the Huambo cisticola, which is now treated as a separate species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating hops between rocks and shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, defending small territories on rocky slopes. Pairs construct a domed or oval nest of grass hidden low in tussocks or among rocks. Breeding is tied to rains in many areas, with both parents attending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a slow, wheezy series of drawn-out notes or a thin, descending 'peeeu' given from exposed perches. Also delivers simple trills during short display flights. Calls are soft chips and tseets while foraging.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to grey-brown with fine darker streaking; wings often show warm rufous tones. Underparts pale buff to whitish with a warmer wash on the flanks. Tail is graduated with dark subterminal bars and is frequently flicked.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and spiders. It gleans prey from grass stems, low shrubs, and the ground among rocks. Occasionally takes small seeds when insect prey is scarce, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in patchy grass tussocks, among stones and boulders, and along the edges of rocky woodland. Often hunts from low perches on rocks, making short sallies to the ground or into nearby grasses.
