Catriscus brevirostris
The Fan-tailed Grassbird (*Catriscus brevirostris*), also known as the Short-tailed Grassbird, is a diminutive and secretive passerine belonging to the Old World Warbler family, Cisticolidae, where its closest relatives include other grass-dwelling warblers. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length and weighing 12-18 grams, this species exhibits a distinctive short, fan-shaped tail, often held cocked, which is a key field mark. Its plumage is generally cryptic, featuring streaky brown and b...
Found primarily in tall, dense grasslands, savannas, and rank vegetation, often in moist or swampy areas and reedbeds, typically near water sources across its African range. It generally occurs at low to mid-elevations, avoiding dense forests and arid deserts.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates including grasshoppers, beetles, moths, larvae, and spiders, gleaned from dense vegetation.
This highly secretive species typically remains hidden deep within dense grass or reedbeds, making it challenging to observe. Its daily activity peaks at dawn and dusk, when males perform their characteristic display flights, ascending briefly to sing before dropping back into cover; roosting occ...
The Fan-tailed Grassbird is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, though its populations are often localized and disjunct rather than continuous. Its breeding range stretches from West Africa (e.g., Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone) eastward through Central Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic ...
Least Concern
- The Fan-tailed Grassbird gets its name from its distinctive short, often cocked tail, which it can splay like a fan. - Despite being relatively widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, it is notoriously difficult to spot due to its secretive nature and preference for dense grass. - Its song is oft...