Tinkling cisticola

Introduction: Tinkling cisticolas (Cisticola rufilatus) are a shy, quiet and elusive species. There main habitat is on the Kalahari sands and open grassland, scattered with bushes and trees. Wooded areas associated with Zambezi teak, Terminalia and miombo are also favoured.

Distribution: Central, north and north-eastern Namibia including Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau, Caprivi Strip and the Kavango Region.
Diet: Eats insects.

Description: Named because of their regularly spaced and distinctive high tinkling notes and high-pitched alarm call. Often confused with the larger rattling cisticola which has a brown (not rufous) tail and a duller crown.
Breeding: Between 2 to 4 eggs are laid in an oval or ball-shaped nest made of grass leaves and lined with plant down and bound with spider web.

Size: 14cm.

Weight: 14g