28-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The rattling cisticola (Cisticola chiniana) is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae which is native to Africa south of the equator, and parts of East Africa. It is a common to abundant species in open savanna and scrubland habitats, whether in arid, moist or upland regions. Especially during summer, it is highly conspicuous due to its strident and repetitive call-notes from prominent perches. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

Its natural habitat is arid, mesic or moist savannas and woodland, often dominated by thorn trees or thorn shrub (Dichrostachys, etc.). It is, however, also commonly found in miombo and mopane woodland, and is one of the commonest bird species on the Mozambican coastal plain. It is also present in the Eastern Highlands and the East African uplands below 2,000 m. In addition it utilizes some ecotones including edges of cultivation, fringes of dense woodland and woodland fringing the Okavango delta.

The tinkling cisticola replaces it in stunted broad-leaved woodland and dry deciduous woodland on sandy substrates, while various Cisticola species replace it in marshy situations. It co-occurs with various Prinia species.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The Rattling Cisticola, Cisticola chiniana, is a small, sprightly bird belonging to the Cisticolidae family. It is a bird that is native to the diverse landscapes of Africa, south of the equator, and parts of East Africa.

This species is characterized by its streaked appearance and a distinctive rufous cap. When perched, one may notice its tail is typically held upright, and its flight is undulating, which aids in identification.

The Rattling Cisticola thrives in a variety of savanna and scrubland habitats, from arid to moist and upland regions. It has a particular affinity for environments dominated by thorn trees or shrubs, such as those of the genera Dichrostachys. It is also a common sight in miombo and mopane woodlands, as well as the Mozambican coastal plain.

This bird's range extends across a swath of the African continent, including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Rattling Cisticola is particularly conspicuous during the summer months, when it can be seen—or more often heard—delivering its strident calls from prominent perches atop trees or bushes.

Its call is a distinctive and repetitive sound that can be transcribed as "chee-chee chichi-chirrrrr," although there is some variation among individuals.

Breeding for the Rattling Cisticola occurs in the wet season, during spring and summer. They construct a ball-shaped nest from coarse grass blades, which is then delicately lined with finer plant material.

The Tinkling Cisticola occupies similar habitats but can be distinguished by its preference for stunted broad-leaved and dry deciduous woodlands on sandy substrates. Various other Cisticola species may be found in marshy areas, while Prinia species may co-occur in some regions.

The Rattling Cisticola is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The Rattling Cisticola, Cisticola chiniana, is a small, sprightly bird belonging to the Cisticolidae family. It is a bird that is native to the diverse landscapes of Africa, south of the equator, and parts of East Africa.

This species is characterized by its streaked appearance and a distinctive rufous cap. When perched, one may notice its tail is typically held upright, and its flight is undulating, which aids in identification.

The Rattling Cisticola thrives in a variety of savanna and scrubland habitats, from arid to moist and upland regions. It has a particular affinity for environments dominated by thorn trees or shrubs, such as those of the genera Dichrostachys. It is also a common sight in miombo and mopane woodlands, as well as the Mozambican coastal plain.

This bird's range extends across a swath of the African continent, including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Rattling Cisticola is particularly conspicuous during the summer months, when it can be seen—or more often heard—delivering its strident calls from prominent perches atop trees or bushes.

Its call is a distinctive and repetitive sound that can be transcribed as "chee-chee chichi-chirrrrr," although there is some variation among individuals.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The Rattling Cisticola, Cisticola chiniana, is a small, sprightly bird belonging to the Cisticolidae family. It is a bird that is native to the diverse landscapes of Africa, south of the equator, and parts of East Africa.

This species is characterized by its streaked appearance and a distinctive rufous cap. When perched, one may notice its tail is typically held upright, and its flight is undulating, which aids in identification.

The Rattling Cisticola thrives in a variety of savanna and scrubland habitats, from arid to moist and upland regions. It has a particular affinity for environments dominated by thorn trees or shrubs, such as those of the genera Dichrostachys. It is also a common sight in miombo and mopane woodlands, as well as the Mozambican coastal plain.

This bird's range extends across a swath of the African continent, including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Rattling Cisticola is particularly conspicuous during the summer months, when it can be seen—or more often heard—delivering its strident calls from prominent perches atop trees or bushes.

Its call is a distinctive and repetitive sound that can be transcribed as "chee-chee chichi-chirrrrr," although there is some variation among individuals.

Breeding for the Rattling Cisticola occurs in the wet season, during spring and summer. They construct a ball-shaped nest from coarse grass blades, which is then delicately lined with finer plant material.

The Rattling Cisticola is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.