The Tana River cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Kenya and there is speculation that it may also be found in Somalia.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily along the lower Tana River and its delta in coastal Kenya, favoring seasonally flooded grasslands, sedge beds, and reed-fringed wetlands. It keeps to rank grasses and edges of papyrus or reeds near oxbow lakes and backwaters. The species may range locally within a mosaic of wet meadows, fallow fields, and riverine scrub. There are unconfirmed reports from adjacent southern Somalia, but its core range is the Tana floodplain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small warbler is confined to the floodplain and delta of the Tana River in coastal Kenya, where it skulkily moves through tall grasses and sedges. Its buzzy trills are often heard before the bird is seen, and males perform brief song-flights over the grass. Ongoing alteration of the Tana floodplain (drainage, agriculture, and hydrological changes) threatens its specialized habitat. It is easily confused with other cisticolas, making voice and habitat critical for identification.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over grass with brief display flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are compact, grass-woven structures placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs maintain small territories within suitable wet grassland patches. Outside breeding, it may occur in loose associations where habitat is continuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, buzzy trill interspersed with short ticking notes, delivered from a grass stem or during a brief fluttering song-flight. Calls include sharp tiks and thin seep notes, often repeated in steady sequences.
