The Zitting Cisticola is a small bird which
used to be included in the family of warblers. This species, along with other
cisticolas and prinias, now constitute the family, “Cisticolidae.” Its former
name is Streaked Fantail Warbler.
The Zitting Cisticola looks like a small
brown warbler with its slender body and long, thin bill. Its bill is an
adaptation for capturing the insects which form the largest part of its diet.
As its former name suggests, this species is heavily-streaked with black on its
brown back. Its white-tipped tail is often spread widely open like a fan. The
underparts of this bird are white.
This species is found in grasslands near
water where large numbers of insects are likely to be found. Cisticolas are
generally non-migratory birds that live in warm climates that can offer an insect
population all year long The Zitting Cisticola is a resident bird throughout
its Chinese range as it is only found in the southeast region of the country
from just south of Shanghai in the North down to
the South Coast
including Hainan and Taiwan
The nesting season of the Zitting Cisticola
is generally in accordance with the rainy season during its breeding season.
The male of the species builds the foundation of a nest, and he displays the
quality of his craftsmanship to prospective mates as part of his courtship effort.
If a female accepts his invitation to mate, the pair of birds will complete the
nest together. The male bird will also hover above a prospective female while
calling to her during courtship.
The female lays 3-6 eggs in the completed
nest which is a cup-shaped structure with a canopy for protection. The Zitting
Cisticola is a polygamous species which will change mates and raise more than
one brood per breeding season.
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| Zitting Cisticola (Photo by JM Garg) |
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