The tinkling cisticola or grey cisticola is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitat is dry savannah.
Region
Southern and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across dry savannas and open grasslands with scattered shrubs and trees, including mopane and miombo edges. It frequents drainage lines, floodplain margins, and rank grass along roadsides and pastures. The species avoids dense forest and true desert but tolerates semi-arid bush. It is generally sedentary within its range in Angola, Botswana, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its bright, metallic 'tinkling' song, this small cisticola is often heard before it is seen. It inhabits dry savannas where it keeps low in grasses and shrubs, flicking its tail as it forages. Like many cisticolas, it crafts a neat, domed nest by stitching leaves and grasses together with spider silk. It is sometimes called the grey cisticola in reference to its subdued greyish tones.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low display flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, holding small territories during the breeding season. Pairs build a domed or purse-like nest low in grasses, bound with spider silk and fine plant fibers. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care. Outside breeding, it remains loosely territorial and seldom forms large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, metallic series of high-pitched 'tinks' or tinkling trills, often delivered from a low perch or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp chips and thin contact notes used between mates.
