Cisticola brachypterus
The Short-winged Cisticola (Cisticola brachypterus) is a small, enigmatic passerine bird, typically measuring 10-12 cm in length and weighing between 8-15 grams. Its plumage is largely dull, streaky brown above with paler, buffy-white underparts, making it blend seamlessly into its grassland and savanna habitats. A key field mark, lending to its scientific and common name, is its notably short, rounded wings, which are adapted for quick, darting flights within dense vegetation rather than sus...
Primarily found in open grasslands, savannas, cultivated areas, and light woodlands, often favoring areas with scattered bushes or short grass. It occurs from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2500 meters.
Feeds almost exclusively on small invertebrates, including various insects (grasshoppers, beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, moths) and spiders, foraging primarily by gleaning from vegetation and the ground.
This cisticola is diurnal, generally active during daylight hours, spending most of its time low in dense vegetation. It forages actively by gleaning small insects and spiders from leaves, stems, and the ground. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, vigorously defending their s...
The Short-winged Cisticola is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, boasting an extensive range from Senegal in the west, eastward through the Sahel and across the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and continuing south through countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Z...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Cisticola' is derived from Greek, referring to its habit of building a nest in a 'basket' of grass. - Its specific epithet 'brachypterus' literally means 'short-winged' in Greek, a direct reference to its distinguishing wing morphology. - Despite their widespread distribution an...