Winding Cisticola
(Rufous-winged Cisticola)
Cisticola galactotes
Photographed above a heavily vegetated drainage ditch at Kitale, Kenya. January 2014.
There are many similar and confusing Cisticolas in Kenya that can be more easily separated by knowing the songs of the different species. Cisticolas are primarily insectivorous birds that mostly glean prey from foliage. Red-faced Cisticola lacks streaking on back and colors are very subdued. Small reddish patch on face. This bird was actively hunting insects at late dusk and photo was only possible with the flash. As the bird dove after a possible prey I caught another photo of the upturned tail.
Cisticolidae -- Cisticola Family
Books Available for Sale on ABE Books:
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
- Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe