Pectoral-patch Cisticola
Cisticola brunnescens
A tiny, short-tailed streaky brown cisticola. Breeding male has an unstreaked rufous crown and dark lores. Female and non-breeding male have a streaked crown. Found in short grassland, mostly in montane areas but also locally at lower elevations. Very similar to several other cisticolas, though often distinguished by range. Breeding male can be identified by its unstreaked rufous crown. Female and non-breeding male may only be distinguishable by voice. Inconspicuous for most of the year; usually seen when performing a flight display over its breeding habitat. The song consists of a series of rough “tshek” notes that accelerate as the bird drops to the ground. Sometimes there are also wing snaps.
Identification
At 9–10 cm this is a small, streak-backed cisticola with short or medium tail, which may get longer in the breeding season. It differs from the pale-crowned cisticola in having a pale rufous (not buff) crown and forehead in the breeding season. The pectoral patches become darker in the breeding season, but even then they may not be easy to see.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola brunnescens
- Authority
- Heuglin, 1862
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Red-fronted Macaw
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A large and sometimes conspicuous macaw of Bolivia’s interandean dry valleys. This species is critically endangered, but can sometimes be locally common, especially near tall cliffs cut in hillsides by rivers. Often forages in and around agriculture. The only large, green macaw in its range. Fairly similar to Military Macaw, but shows orange fold to leading edge of wing, no bare facial skin, and a dark gray bill. Often noticed by loud, raucous voice.
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