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Short-winged Cisticola

Cisticola brachypterus

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-6.28388, 39.1907

Field Notes

Description:

Also known as the Siffling Cisticola, this small bird (~10 cm) is a fairly short tailed cisticola lacking a rufous head. Cisticolas are widespread through the Old World's tropical and sub-tropical regions. Africa is home to almost all species.

Habitat:

Subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and drysavanna. Spotted here on Chumbe Island in open bush close to the beach.

Notes:

Thanks to Liam and Atul for help with ID!
Chumbe Island is a coral nature reserve off Zanzibar developed since 1991. Find out more about Chumbe Island at http://www.chumbeisland.com

Reference Links:

Short-winged Cisticola

Species ID Suggestions

Siffling (Short-winged) Cisticola

Cisticola brachypterus

Reference Link
Atul
1

Tiny Cisticola

Cisticola nanus

Reference Link
Atul
1

Comments (13)
DanielePralong
Finalized the ID for this tiny guy. Thanks Liam ad Atul!
DanielePralong
Yes, it's definitely lacking the rufous cap of the tiny cisticola...
Atul
its much closer to your spotting than the tiny cisticola..!!
DanielePralong
Hi Atul! Thanks! Looking at my African bird book both are possible for this area. I also feel the description for the Short-winged Cisticola fits better, as also suggested by Liam...
Atul
hi Daniele This ones really difficult !!! i have suggested 2 ids the first one Siffling (Short-winged) Cisticola i feel is more appropriate ,hope this helps ...
DanielePralong
Thanks Liam! I'll check my African birds guide book for the distribution of Cisticola.
Liam
Looks like a species of Cisticola (great names in that family: Lazy Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola etc.). Try the Short-winged Cisticola (Cisticola brachypterus): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-winged_Cisticola
DanielePralong
Just added another pic of a bird seen on the same day I think is the same species...

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PublishedDecember 9, 2011

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