Ethiopian Cisticola

The Ethiopian cisticola, known scientifically as Cisticola lugubris, is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Cisticolidae. It is a monotypic species, meaning it does not have any subspecies.

Identification Tips

This bird can be recognized by its distinctive appearance, which includes a black back, contrasting with its otherwise brown and buff plumage. It is similar in size and shape to other cisticolas, with a small, rounded body and a relatively long tail.

Habitat

The Ethiopian cisticola is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it frequents tropical seasonally wet or flooded grasslands and swamps.

Distribution

This species is endemic to south-central Africa, specifically found in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Ethiopian cisticola as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Similar Species

The Ethiopian cisticola was previously grouped with the winding cisticola, rufous-winged cisticola, Luapula cisticola, and coastal cisticola. However, it has been split from these taxa by the IOC and HBW. The Clements and Howard and Moore world lists still consider these taxa as a single species, the winding cisticola C. galactotes (sensu lato).