Short-winged Cisticola

Overview

The short-winged cisticola, also known as the siffling cisticola, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.

Identification

• Resembles the neddicky but has a shorter tail and clear buff underparts.
• Lacks the rufous crown found in similar species.

Habitat

Found in clearings in woodland, especially miombo (Brachystegia) and other types of savanna woodland. It also occupies thickets with termite mounds, vegetation along drainage lines, and the edges of cultivated areas.

Diet

The bird mainly eats insects such as termites, grasshoppers, beetles, and bugs. It forages unobtrusively in grass tufts and on the ground.

Did you know?

The nest is a compact ball shape with a side entrance, built of dry grass and leaves reinforced with spider web. It is typically placed very near the ground in a grass tuft or small shrub.