Cisticola cinnamomeus
The Pale-crowned Cisticola (Cisticola cinnamomeus) is a diminutive and often elusive passerine belonging to the family Cisticolidae, typically measuring 10-12 cm in length and weighing 8-13 grams. Its breeding plumage features a distinctive pale, often buffy-white to light rufous-brown crown, contrasted by a rich rufous-cinnamon back, heavily streaked with black, and plain, pale buffy-white underparts. Non-breeding birds are generally duller, with a more uniform, less strongly streaked back a...
This species primarily inhabits moist grasslands, seasonally flooded dambos, marshes, and the edges of cultivation, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 meters.
The diet of the Pale-crowned Cisticola consists primarily of small insects and other invertebrates, which it gleans from grass stems and foliage.
Pale-crowned Cisticolas are diurnal and highly secretive, spending much of their time skulking within dense grass cover, making them more often heard than seen. Males are highly territorial, defending their breeding grounds with loud, characteristic songs delivered from prominent perches or durin...
The Pale-crowned Cisticola is a widespread resident breeder across much of sub-Saharan Africa, with its distribution stretching from West Africa eastward through Central Africa to East Africa, and southwards into Southern Africa. Its range includes countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, De...
Least Concern
- The Pale-crowned Cisticola is one of Africa's most cryptic small birds, often remaining hidden in dense grass and only revealing its presence through song. - Its distinctive song is often described as a mechanical "tink-tink-tink" or a "zzzz-tink," making it sound more like an insect than a bir...