Cisticola angusticauda
The Long-tailed Cisticola, *Cisticola angusticauda*, is a quintessential small African passerine belonging to the highly diverse Cisticolidae family, renowned for its intricate taxonomy and often cryptic species. Measuring approximately 12-16 cm in length, with a significant portion attributed to its tail, and weighing a mere 8-15 grams, this warbler-like bird is primarily identified by its exceptionally elongated tail, particularly pronounced in breeding males. Its plumage is typically a str...
Found predominantly in moist grasslands, savanna, and open woodlands, particularly Miombo woodlands, often near water or in tall, rank vegetation. It typically occurs from lowlands up to elevations of around 2,000 meters.
Exclusively insectivorous, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders. It forages by gleaning prey from grass stems, leaves, and low-lying vegetation.
Long-tailed Cisticolas are primarily diurnal, active during daylight hours as they forage for insects among grasses and low shrubs. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, engaging in spectacular aerial display flights that involve flying high, circling, and then dropping with a ...
The Long-tailed Cisticola exhibits a widespread distribution across central and eastern Africa, primarily south of the equator. Its core breeding range extends from Angola eastward through the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Malawi, reaching into southwestern Tanzania and parts of Ugand...
Least Concern
- The "long-tailed" aspect of its name is most pronounced in breeding males, whose tails can be nearly twice the length of their body, dramatically shortening outside the breeding season. - Its aerial display flight, often performed high above the grasslands, is a crucial part of its courtship ri...