Zitting Cisticola
Scientific Name: Cisticola juncidisMaltese Name: Bufula ta' l-Imrewha
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common Resident
Breeds in Malta: Yes
Breeding Frequency: Common
Overview:
Zitting Cisticolas (this species was formerly known as Fan-tailed Warbler) are very small insectivorous birds. These small passerines are found in tall grassland habitats, often near water. Male cisticolas are polygamous(has multile mates in ones season); the female builds a discreet nest deep in the grasses, often binding living leaves into the soft fabric of felted plant-down, cobwebs, and grass. The Zitting Cisticola's nest is a cup shape with a canopy of tied-together leaves or grasses overhead for camouflage; 3-7 eggs are laid. These warblers are brown above, heavily streaked with black. The underparts are whitish, and the tail is broad, white-tipped and flicked frequently, giving rise to the alternative name for the species. The adult males have less crown streaking and more back marking than the females, but there is no great difference between the sexes. These birds are more easily heard than seen with the male constantly patroling its territory in flight with its zit-zit-zit song.
Status and Distribution:
This species is very abundant in Malta, and its population is probabbly still increasing as it has only bred for the first time in 1973. It prefers to breed, and is mainly found in open countryside and in fields.
When to See:
All year round
Where to See:
As already mentioned above, Zitting Cisticola is easily seen in sparcely vegitated habitats such as garigue and steppe, where it breeds. It is also very abundant in agricultural land.
Photographs:
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| Zitting Cisticola, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Adult Zitting Cisticola | Nest of Zitting Cisticola with 7 eggs |
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| Adult Zitting Cisticola with food for its young | Nest of Zitting Cisticola with pulli |
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| Zitting Cisticola, Simar Nature Reserve |
Listen to Zitting Cisticola:
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