Cisticola textrix
The Cloud Cisticola (Cisticola textrix) is a diminutive and often elusive passerine belonging to the Cisticolidae family, renowned for its cryptic nature within the grasslands of southern Africa. Measuring a mere 9-11 cm in length and weighing just 8-12 grams, its plumage is a masterclass in camouflage: heavily streaked dark brown to black on the upperparts, contrasting with buffy-white underparts. A key field mark is its plain, unmarked tail which, during the breeding season, dramatically sh...
Primarily inhabits natural short grasslands, open plains, and montane grasslands, from sea level up to elevations of 2,500 meters. Favors areas with varying grass heights for nesting and foraging.
Feeds almost exclusively on small insects, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and ants, supplemented with spiders. Forages by gleaning from grass stems and leaves, and occasionally by short aerial sallies for flying insects.
The Cloud Cisticola is largely diurnal, spending its active hours foraging discreetly among dense grass stems. During the non-breeding season, it can be found in small, loose flocks, but becomes intensely territorial in the breeding months. Males engage in one of the most spectacular aerial court...
The Cloud Cisticola is resident throughout much of southern Africa, with a breeding range primarily spanning South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Its distribution extends across the highveld grasslands of the interior, from the Eastern Cape northwards through KwaZulu-Natal, F...
Least Concern
- The scientific name 'textrix' is Latin for 'weaver', referring to the intricate way cisticolas construct their nests from plant material and spider silk. - Breeding male Cloud Cisticolas possess the shortest tail proportionally of any cisticola species, making them instantly recognizable during...