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Wing-snapping cisticola
In Kenya
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
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

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.

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.

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.

References

1. 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.
2. "Wing-snapping Cisticola - eBird". ebird.org. Retrieved 2023-07-18.

External links

• Wing-snapping cisticola - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.

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• IUCN Red List least concern species
• Cisticola
• Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Birds described in 1863
• Cisticolidae stubs