About Cisticola tinniens (Lichtenstein, 1842)
Levaillant's cisticola, scientifically known as Cisticola tinniens (Lichtenstein, 1842), is a small dull-coloured bird that measures 12–15 cm in length. It has a longish tail and a reddish cap. For breeding adults, the upperparts are grey, heavily streaked with black, and have a rufous panel in the folded wing. The supercilium, face and underparts are buffy white, and the tail is russet brown. Its short straight bill is blackish-brown with a pinkish base, while the feet and legs are pinkish-brown, and the eye is light brown. Non-breeding adults have browner backs, and juvenile birds have yellower underparts. This species produces multiple distinct calls: a musical chrip-trrrup-trreee, a wailing tee tee tee, and harsh alarm notes. Levaillant's cisticola is a resident breeder found across eastern Africa, ranging from Kenya to eastern South Africa. It is common in reedbeds, sedges, rank grass, and similar wet habitats that are usually located near rivers or dams.
