Stierling's wren-warbler, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae found in southern Africa. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the miombo wren-warbler.
Region
Miombo woodlands of south-central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily through miombo and dry broadleaf woodland, with forays into adjacent thorn scrub and wooded savanna. Prefers areas with dense shrub layers, woodland edges, and regenerating or lightly disturbed miombo. Often found near clearings and along tracks where low cover provides both concealment and foraging opportunities. It is typically absent from closed, moist forest and open treeless grassland.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Stierling's wren-warbler is a small, secretive cisticolid that favors the understory of miombo and dry thorn scrub. It often keeps low in dense cover, flicking its tail to reveal white outer feathers. Pairs frequently duet with rapid, tinkling trills that carry surprisingly far. It has at times been treated as a subspecies of the miombo wren-warbler.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain and defend small territories year-round. Nests are typically well-concealed in low shrubs or grass clumps. Both members of the pair may participate in duet singing and in care of the young. It remains close to cover and moves with quick, mouse-like hops.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, tinkling series of trills and rattles, often delivered as a duet between pair members. Calls include dry ticks and scolding chatters given from within dense cover.
Plumage
Fine barred grey-brown upperparts with paler, lightly streaked underparts and a buff wash on the flanks. Tail often cocked, showing contrasting white outer tail feathers. Feathers are soft and close-lying, aiding a sleek, skulking profile.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders. Gleans methodically from leaves, twigs, and bark in the lower strata of shrubs. Will also pick prey from the ground and occasionally make short sallies to grab flushed insects. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, interspersed with tail flicks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrubbery, woodland understory, and along edges where low cover is abundant. Frequently uses thorny thickets and regenerating miombo with a layered understory.
