Wing-snapping cisticola

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
In Kenya
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Cisticolidae
Genus:	Cisticola
Species:	C. ayresii
Binomial name
Cisticola ayresii Hartlaub, 1863

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

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.