The Socotra cisticola or island cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is endemic to Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea.
Region
Socotra Archipelago, Arabian Sea
Typical Environment
Occurs across Socotra in semi-arid grasslands, scrub, and along vegetated wadis, including edges of cultivation near settlements. It keeps close to low cover, using grasses, shrubs, and small trees for foraging and song perches. The species is tolerant of patchy, dry habitats so long as some herbaceous cover persists. It may also appear on coastal plains and in foothills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny warbler is confined to the Socotra Archipelago, where it frequents grasslands, wadis, and scrubby edges. Males perform conspicuous display flights with rapid wingbeats while delivering a buzzy song. Like many cisticolas, it weaves a domed nest from grasses, often stitched to live leaves. It is generally common on the island and adapts well to semi-arid habitats.
Temperament
active and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a domed, grass nest placed low in dense vegetation. Territorial calling and display flights are most frequent at dawn and early morning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, buzzy series of ticks and trills delivered from a perch or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp tsik notes and soft chatters used in contact within pairs.
Plumage
Upperparts warm brown with fine dark streaking; underparts pale buff to whitish with a warmer wash on the flanks. Tail short and rounded, often showing a darker subterminal band and pale tips. Feathers appear soft and slightly fluffy when the bird is relaxed.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as beetles, bugs, grasshoppers, and their larvae, as well as spiders. It gleans from grass stems and leaves and makes short sallies to pick prey. Occasionally takes small seeds incidentally when probing in seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall grasses, low shrubs, and along vegetated wadis and field margins. Often keeps within a meter or two of the ground, moving methodically through cover.
