The wing-snapping cisticola (Cisticola ayresii), also known as Ayres' cisticola, is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. Its scientific name honours South African ornithologist Thomas Ayres.
| Wing-snapping cisticola | |
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| In Kenya | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Cisticolidae |
| Genus: | Cisticola |
| Species: | C. ayresii
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| Binomial name | |
| Cisticola ayresii Hartlaub, 1863
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They are generally tiny, short-tailed, streaky, and brown in color. However, in non-breeding plumages, they have a longer tail. They can be found in grassland and marsh. They are usually seen when doing a flight display over their breeding habitat. The display consists of whistled notes, which can be down-then-up or on an even pitch, interspersed with wing snaps, which sometimes continue as the bird dives to the ground. They are very similar to other small, short-tailed cisticolas, especially in non-breeding plumage, but are best distinguished by voice.[2]
Distribution and habitat edit
It is found throughout central and southern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
References edit
- ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Cisticola ayresii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22713540A94378627. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22713540A94378627.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Wing-snapping Cisticola - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
External links edit
- Wing-snapping cisticola - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.
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