Golden-headed Cisticola

Overview

The golden-headed cisticola (Cisticola exilis), also known as the bright-capped cisticola, is a small omnivorous bird found in Australia and thirteen Asian countries. It is characterised by its ability to construct intricate nests using spider threads, earning it the reputation of the 'finest tailor of all birds'.

Identification

• Size: Small bird growing to 9–11.5 cm long and weighing 6–10 g, with males slightly heavier than females.
• Plumage: Outside the breeding season, both sexes are similar with brown uppersides and cream underparts, featuring black or dark brown streaks and a golden head. During the breeding season, males display a golden body, a golden-orange head, and a notably shorter tail.
• Vocalisation: Produces a variety of distinct sounds, ranging from 'teewip' to 'wheezz, whit-whit', often while exhibiting a crest on its head.

Habitat

The species inhabits grassy hills, savannas, woodlands, scrublands, rivers, wetlands, and irrigated farmland where the grass is tall and thick. Its range covers Australia, Nepal, India, China, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania, extending to altitudes of up to 1,800 m in certain regions. It is the most common cisticola in Australia and from India to the Philippines.

Diet

An omnivore, the golden-headed cisticola primarily eats invertebrates such as insects and small slugs, supplemented by grass seeds. It typically forages on the ground, moving slowly and hiding among plants like grass to approach its prey.

Did you know?

Known as the 'finest tailor of all birds', the species constructs its nests by threading through cobweb silk and stitching the structure together with spider threads. This collaborative effort involves the female stitching the nest while the male provides the necessary spider-web material.