- Madagascar Cisticola
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Madagascar Cisticola Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae Genus: Cisticola Species: C. cherina Binomial name Cisticola cherina
(Smith, 1843)The Madagascar Cisticola (Cisticola cherina) is a species of bird in the cisticola family (Cisticolidae). It forms a superspecies with the closely related Zitting Cisticola and the Socotra Cisticola. It is found across the whole of Madagascar and the islands of Astove and Cosmoledo in the Seychelles. The Seychelles birds are suspected to be recent arrivals, although there are some early records of the species there.[2] Within its range it occupies a range of open habitats, including savannah, grasslands, marshes, pastures, scrublands and forest edges and clearings. It is also found in a variety of human modified habitats, including paddy fields and croplands. The species is sedentary.
Madagascar Cisticolas are small cisticolas, 11 cm long and weighing 8-11 g. Overall they have brownish streaked backs, wings and heads and pale undersides. There are different colour variants, one more brownish, the other paler grey. Its call is described as a loud explosive ticking.[2]
References
- ^ BirdLife International (2004). Cisticola cherina. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 25 July 2007.
- ^ a b Skerrett A, Bullock I & Disley T (2001) Birds of Seychelles. Helm Field Guides ISBN 0-7136-3973-3
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