Rufous Cisticola
Cisticola rufus
A small, brownish upland cisticola. Remarkably plain: brown on the upperparts and buff below. The unmarked face often has a gentle expression. Found locally in both thorn savanna and broadleaf woodland. Very similar in appearance to Siffling Cisticola, but generally has warmer coloration and lacks streaking on the back. Also similar to Foxy Cisticola, but less rufous, and there is minimal overlap in range. Similar to Dorst’s Cisticola, but smaller, and the cap and back are roughly the same color. Rufous Cisticola’s unimpressive song consists of 2-3 high-pitched, squeaky notes in a descending pattern, very similar to the song of Siffling Cisticola.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola rufus
- Authority
- (Fraser, 1843)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Caroline Islands Ground Dove
Pampusana kubaryi
Beautiful dark velvet dove with a pristine white face, throat, and breast. Endemic to Chuuk and Pohnpei, in the Caroline Islands group. Inhabits forested areas, including disturbed patches adjoining agriculture. Forages actively on or close to the ground. Unlike many other doves and pigeons, flushes more or less silently; typically flies only a short distance when flushed.
Pallas's Sandgrouse
Syrrhaptes paradoxus
An unusual bird of dry plains and grasslands that looks like a cross between a dove and a grouse. Both sexes have a long, needle-thin tail, a rectangular black belly patch, and overall sandy-brown plumage. The male sports an orange-and-gray face and a pink tinge to his wings and back. The female is browner, with heavy speckling on the neck and nape. Flies in flocks, often gathering in groups of up to thousands strong at reliable waterholes.
Yellow-vented Myzomela
Myzomela eichhorni
A small, mostly black bird with a decurved bill, a red throat patch, and a bright red rump. Tail black. Female similar, but duller brownish below. Found in any habitat with trees or shrubs. The only myzomela in its limited range. Voice is a loud, high-pitched “tseep-tseep.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.