Cisticola nana
The Tiny Cisticola (*Cisticola nana*) lives up to its name, being one of Africa's smallest passerines, typically measuring just 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length and weighing a mere 5-8 grams. Its plumage features distinctive streaky brown and buff upperparts, contrasting with paler, unmarked underparts and a short, often cocked tail. Key field marks include its diminutive size, the lack of a prominent supercilium, and its characteristic buzzing, insect-like calls that often reveal its presence ...
This species primarily inhabits open grasslands, savanna woodlands with scattered bushes, and shrubby areas, often near cultivation. It typically occurs from sea level up to around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in elevation.
The Tiny Cisticola is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, and ants. It forages by gleaning prey from vegetation, primarily grasses and low shrubs.
The Tiny Cisticola is a diurnal and rather secretive bird, often seen flitting low through grasses and dense vegetation, though males will sing from more exposed perches. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning small insects and larvae from grass stems, leaves, and low shrubs. Males esta...
The Tiny Cisticola is a widespread resident species found across much of Eastern and Southern Africa. Its breeding and year-round range extends from eastern Ethiopia and Somalia south through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, encompassing Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. Further south,...
Least Concern
- True to its name, the Tiny Cisticola is one of Africa's smallest songbirds, often weighing less than a quarter of an ounce. - Its intricately woven, dome-shaped nest, often hidden deep within grass tussocks, is a marvel of avian engineering and camouflage. - Males often perform subtle display f...