Wing-snapping cisticola

The wing-snapping cisticola (Cisticola ayresii), also known as Ayres' cisticola, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. Its scientific name honours South African ornithologist Thomas Ayres.

Wing-snapping cisticola
In Kenya
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cisticolidae
Genus: Cisticola
Species:
C. ayresii
Binomial name
Cisticola ayresii
Hartlaub, 1863

They are generally tiny, short-tailed, streaky, and brown in color. However, in non-breeding plumages, they have a longer tail. They can be found in grassland and marsh. They are usually seen when doing a flight display over their breeding habitat. The display consists of whistled notes, which can be down-then-up or on an even pitch, interspersed with wing snaps, which sometimes continue as the bird dives to the ground. They are very similar to other small, short-tailed cisticolas, especially in non-breeding plumage, but are best distinguished by voice.[2]

Distribution and habitat

It is found throughout central and southern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Cisticola ayresii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22713540A94378627. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22713540A94378627.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. "Wing-snapping Cisticola - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2023-07-18.


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