Coastal Cisticola
Cisticola haematocephalus
A relatively colorful, medium-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the gray-brown back with thick black streaks, the brown on the wing and cap, and the whitish underparts. Found in wetlands and moist grassland and scrub. As with other cisticolas, habitat and vocalizations are important to identification. Very similar to Winding Cisticola, but paler overall, and differs vocally. Also similar to Rattling Cisticola, but more colorful, with very different vocalizations: a wheezy, very high-pitched trill, and raspy “chi-dup” calls that are often given in a display flight.
Taxonomy
The coastal cisticola is monotypic. This taxon was split from the winding cisticola by the IOC and HBW, as were the rufous-winged cisticola, Luapula cisticola and Ethiopian cisticola. The Clements (2017) and Howard and Moore (2014) world lists consider these taxa as a single species, the winding cisticola C. galactotes (sensu lato).
- Scientific name
- Cisticola haematocephalus
- Authority
- Cabanis, 1868
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
This species is found on the coastal plain of East Africa between 5°N to 10°S (southern Somalia to north-eastern Tanzania).<p>Its natural habitats are tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland and swamps.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chilean Swallow
Tachycineta leucopyga
Common and familiar swallow of southern South America; found widely from the coast to Andean foothills and from open forests to beaches. Often near water and regularly around towns and villages, associating readily with slightly smaller Blue-and-white Swallow. Identified easily in most of range by clean white underparts and big white rump patch; also note that the tail is less deeply forked than Blue-and-White Swallow. Juvenile is duller above and with a variable dusky breast band.
Hypocolius
Hypocolius ampelinus
A slender, pale gray bird with a short bill and a long black-tipped tail. The male has a black face. This distinctive species occurs in arid scrub, desert, and nearby farmlands. Usually found in small flocks, often seen feeding on fruiting trees and bushes. Calls include short, squeaky wails and whistles.
Carruthers's Cisticola
Cisticola carruthersi
Relatively colorful, mid-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the gray-brown back with thick black streaks, rufous on the wing and cap, and whitish underparts. Found mainly in papyrus swamp and locally in other wetland habitats. Song is a quick, aggressive series of several “chyap” notes. Very similar to Winding Cisticola, and best separated by song; Carruther’s also has a less reddish panel in the wing and a mostly dark tail.
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