Chattering Cisticola
Cisticola anonymus
A common, nondescript bird found near the ground in grassy areas in fields, in towns, along roads, and even in larger treefall gaps in lowland rainforest. Small and warbler-like, with a white throat, dingy white underparts, a brownish red cap, and brownish upperparts. Similar to many other species of cisticola, but note Chattering Cisticola’s song and generally uniform coloration. Song is a dry churring “kur-kur-kur-kur-kur!”, sometimes given with introductory notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola anonymus
- Authority
- (Müller, JW, 1855)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cape Starling
Lamprotornis nitens
A medium-sized iridescent blue-green glossy starling that lacks dark ear-patches and has greenish flanks and belly, giving it a more uniform appearance than the “blue-eared” starlings. Pairs and small groups occupy high-altitude grassland, Karoo, and savanna, including drier habitats than other glossy starlings. The species feeds on the ground and in trees on fruit and insects; often it scavenges from people. It gives a rolling “turrreaau” flight call and harsh “karrr” alarm notes. Similar “blue-eared” starlings differ from Cape Starling by being smaller and having blue-magenta flanks and belly that give them a less uniform appearance.
Calandra Lark
Melanocorypha calandra
Large lark with a strong, thick bill and an obvious pale eyebrow. Thick black patches at the neck sides can vary with posture and between individuals. In flight, dark underwings with white trailing edge to upperwings are diagnostic. "Slow-motion" wingbeats in song flight make it look bigger than it is. An inhabitant of open farmland and natural steppe. May form large flocks in winter. Jumbled song consists of trills and chips, and frequently mimics other species.
Black-naped Fruit-Dove
Ptilinopus melanospilus
Green-bodied dove of wooded areas, from mangroves and gardens to the forest interior. Often on offshore islands. Male has a pale face and namesake black nape patch; female is green overall with a pale yellow eyering. Like many other forest doves and pigeons, often sits still for long periods of time and can be difficult to spot up in the canopy; listen for its rising coos. Sometimes gathers at fruiting trees.
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