Levaillant's Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens
Levaillant's Cisticola feeds on insects in African grasslands and moist bushes.
| Scientific name | Cisticola tinniens |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 10-12 grams; Female: approximately 10-12 grams |
How to identify
Small-sized, relatively long tail often held upright; brown back with fine streaks; pale underparts; distinct dark eye stripe on head; clear and repetitive song
Habitat
Open grasslands, sparse tree savannas, edges of bushes, and moist grass clumps
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, occasionally consuming other small invertebrates
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Observe quietly at the edges of grasslands in early morning or late afternoon, locate by its distinctive song
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture moments of activity within grass clumps, preferably shoot in soft light to highlight plumage details
Threats
Habitat loss and grassland degradation
Similar species
Similar to other species in the genus Cisticola, distinguished by tail length and song characteristics
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