Aberdare Cisticola
Cisticola aberdare
A large and relatively colorful cisticola endemic to Kenya, found locally in montane grassland and moorland. The cap and back of the neck are dull rufous with darker streaking, the back is heavily streaked with black, and there is a rufous panel in the wings. As with other cisticolas, habitat and vocalizations are important to identification. Very similar to Stout Cisticola, but has streaking on the back of the neck. The common vocalizations are a quick series of several squeaky notes, and a series of lower liquid notes.
Identification
The Aberdare cisticola is 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) in length, and weighs 18–24 g (0.63–0.85 oz). It is a large and stocky cisticola with a heavy bill, plain face, boldly striped upperparts, and a medium-long graduated tail. Its voice is a mixture of peeuu tew tew and other short trills.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cisticola aberdare
- Authority
- Lynes, 1930
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Genus
- Cisticola
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Aberdare cisticola is believed to be monogamous, solitary and territorial. It breeds from January through May and August through November, building a nest out of a flimsy ball of branches and leaves.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

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Wild chickenlike bird. Male is burnt orange with dark streaks, cockerel-like glossy black tail, and a prominent red comb marked with yellow on the crown. Gray-brown female has white streaks and prominent barring on its wings. Terrestrial, found in pairs or small groups in forests of lowlands and highlands over much of Sri Lanka. Generally keeps to cover. Only confusion is with domestic chicken; note lack of white at tail base, and yellow marking on comb of males, and bars in wings of females in Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Song a harsh “chyok-cher-chow”. Also stuttering “kik-kik-kik-kik” notes.

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A little-known medium-sized, short-tailed swift found over forest, usually at higher elevations. Mainly black with obvious white throat and underwing patches. Wing shape is unusual, with a “cut-out” next to the body and pointed wing tips curved backward. Tail square, with spines that are difficult to see. Distinguished from other swifts in its range by the white marks under the wings. Voice unknown.
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