Rattling Cisticola

Overview

The rattling cisticola (Cisticola chiniana) is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae native to Africa south of the equator and parts of East Africa. It is a common to abundant species found across a wide range of habitats, from arid to moist regions.

Identification

• Strident and repetitive call rendered as 'chee-chee chichi-chirrrrr' which varies somewhat from individual to individual.
• Highly conspicuous during summer when perched prominently at the top of a tree or bush.

Habitat

Found in arid, mesic, or moist savannas and woodland, often dominated by thorn trees or shrubs, as well as miombo and mopane woodland. The species also occupies ecotones such as cultivation edges, dense woodland fringes, and the Okavango delta. Its range includes countries such as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, extending into the East African uplands below 2,000 m.

Did you know?

The specific epithet chiniana is probably derived from the toponym 'Chenyane' or Tshwenyane Mountains located north of Zeerust, South Africa, where the type specimen was collected.