Cisticola marginatus
The Winding Cisticola (Cisticola marginatus) is a diminutive and often elusive songbird, a characteristic resident of the wetlands and moist grasslands across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring approximately 13-15 cm in length with a weight typically between 10-15 grams, this cisticola sports a streaky brown and buff plumage, distinguished by a rufous rump and a relatively long, graduated tail often held cocked. Its short, rounded wings are adapted for short, darting flights within dense v...
Found primarily in damp grasslands, marshes, and the edges of wetlands, often preferring areas with tall grasses, sedges, and reeds. It occurs from sea level up to moderate elevations in its range.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small invertebrates including grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. Forages by gleaning prey from vegetation.
Winding Cisticolas are typically diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, and roost solitarily or in pairs within dense vegetation. They forage by gleaning insects and small invertebrates from leaves and stems, often perching inconspicuously within grass clumps. Males are highly territorial during the ...
The Winding Cisticola boasts a broad distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Senegal and Mauritania in the west, eastward through the Sahel and Central Africa, to Ethiopia and Somalia in the Horn of Africa, and southwards through East Africa to South Africa. Its range is somewhat f...
Least Concern
- The Winding Cisticola is one of many 'little brown jobs' (LBJs) where identification relies almost entirely on its unique and complex song. - Its scientific name, 'marginatus,' refers to its often well-marked plumage, particularly the darker streaking on its upperparts. - The 'winding' quality ...