Desert cisticola

Introduction: As the name suggests, desert cisticolas (Cisticola aridulus) were named because they predominately inhabit dry places or desert (aridulus). They are locally common in habitats of desert grassland dominated by Stipagrostis grass and tall grasses of other dry grasslands. Males are known to perch on these grasses and small bushes to sing.

Distribution: Throughout most of central and northern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Rundu, Damaraland, the Kavango Region and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Forages on the ground or in low grass for beetles, spiders and grasshoppers.

Description: Streaky blackish upperparts, dark brown tail and whitish underparts.
Breeding: A thin bottle shaped nest is made from dry grass and mixed with and bound by spider web. Usually 3 or 4 eggs are laid between October and April and incubated for 14 days.

Size: 11cm.

Weight: 9g.