#BirdyTuesday – Meet the Croaking Cisticola

Communication
Apr 15
2 min read

In the tall grasslands of Upemba National Park, a small, secretive bird makes its presence known not by sight, but by sound. Meet the Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis) — a master of camouflage with a voice that croaks louder than its size suggests.

This tiny bird, just about 12 cm long, is often hard to spot. Its streaky brown plumage blends perfectly into dry grasses and savanna undergrowth, making it nearly invisible. But once it starts calling, there's no mistaking it. The Croaking Cisticola’s song is a distinctive, frog-like "krrrk" — a croak that gives the species its name and betrays its hiding place to the attentive listener.

A Specialist of the Savanna

The Croaking Cisticola thrives in moist grasslands and open woodland across sub-Saharan Africa. In Upemba, it finds ideal conditions in our seasonally flooded plains and grassy margins. This little insectivore flits low through the grass, hunting quietly for small invertebrates, often in pairs or alone.

During breeding season, the male takes to the skies with a short flight display, giving its signature croak in flight to impress nearby females. Nest-building is left to the female, who carefully weaves a domed nest with grasses and spider silk, tucked low in the vegetation.

Why It Matters

Though common across its range, the Croaking Cisticola is a powerful indicator of healthy grassland ecosystems. Its presence in Upemba signals the vitality of our savanna habitats — ecosystems that also support larger wildlife and provide grazing grounds for local communities’ livestock.

Next time you're walking near a grassy edge in the park and hear a peculiar frog-like call — pause, listen, and you might just catch a glimpse of this understated songbird.

🪶 Have you heard the Croaking Cisticola in your region? Let us know in the comments!