Grey-backed cisticola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey-backed cisticola |
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| At Namaqua National Park, Northern Cape, South Africa | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cisticola
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| Species: |
subruficapilla
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| Synonyms | |
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Cisticola subruficapillus |
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The grey-backed cisticola (also called the red-headed cisticola) is a small passerine bird. Its scientific name is Cisticola subruficapilla. This bird lives in southern Angola, Namibia, and western South Africa.
You can often find the grey-backed cisticola in coastal areas. It likes fynbos (a type of shrubland), karoo shrubs, and grassy spots near river mouths.
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What Does the Grey-backed Cisticola Look Like?
The grey-backed cisticola is a small bird, about 13 to 14 centimeters long. It has a dull body color but a bright, dark reddish-brown cap on its head. When its wings are folded, you can see a reddish-brown patch.
Its bill is short, straight, and grey. Its feet and legs are a pinkish-brown color. The bird's eyes are light brown.
Different Types of Grey-backed Cisticolas
There are two main types, or subspecies, of this bird. The one found in southern Namibia and South Africa is called the "grey-backed cisticola" proper. It has a grey back with many black streaks. Its belly and chest are greyish-white. This greyish look makes it quite easy to spot compared to other similar cisticolas.
The other type, found further north, has a brown back with black streaks. Its underparts are a pale, cold buff color. This northern type looks a lot like the wailing cisticola. However, the wailing cisticola has warmer buff underparts and lives in different areas.
How to Tell Males, Females, and Young Birds Apart
Male and female grey-backed cisticolas look very similar. Young birds, called juveniles, are a bit duller in color. Their faces also have a yellowish tint.
What Does a Grey-backed Cisticola Sound Like?
This bird is quite vocal! Its call is a soft prrrrt sound. This is quickly followed by a sharp wheee phweee.
Grey-backed Cisticola Behavior and Nesting
The grey-backed cisticola builds a special nest. It's shaped like a ball with an entrance on the side. The bird makes its nest from dry grass, spiderwebs, and soft plant fluff.
You will usually see these birds alone or in pairs. They often flit around in bushes or in the grass at the bottom of trees. They are busy looking for small insects to eat.
Is the Grey-backed Cisticola in Danger?
The grey-backed cisticola is a very common bird. It lives across a large area, estimated to be about 820,000 square kilometers. Scientists believe there are many of these birds.
The population is not decreasing quickly. Because of this, the IUCN Red List has listed the species as "least concern". This means it is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction.
