Cisticola cinnamomeus
Records: 1
Drafted by: Faansie Peacock
Draft Text Last Updated:
Distribution: During the PCC period, this species was recorded once at Marievale BS on 2 December 2003 (M. Benadie). Before this record, 6 breeding pairs were found in low, matted vegetation along a small highveld stream between Devon and Leandra in late February 2000 (F. Peacock). Other than these two records, Pale-crowned Cisticolas have been recorded along the escarpment and on the coastal plain of N. KZN. Closest records to Gauteng are from Dullstroom area.
Gaps in Knowledge: Currently, the lack of more records from the
well-monitored Marievale BS, would seem to indicate that that record should be
attributed to vagrancy. The
Habitat: Essentially associated with wetlands and marshy situations in upland grasslands. Often common on the edges of vleis where it breeds in dense grasses and sedges. Males perform aerial displays in the breeding season. Often sympatric with Wing-snapping and Zitting Cisticolas.
Status and movements: All records were in mid-summer when males perform display flights and develop diagnostic black lores and an unstreaked, buffy crown. Females and winter plumage males are virtually indistinguishable from other short-tailed Cisticolas, hence, the species is generally under-recorded in winter. It is unclear whether the records for the PCC region are oppurtunistic birds that extend their breeding range in wet years or if they are resident but localized.
Population: Rare and localized. Too few records to draw any meaningful conclusions.
Conservation: Not threatened.