Tawny-flanked Prinia

The Tawny-flanked Prinia, Prinia subflava, is a diminutive and active passerine, a member of the Cisticolidae family. This bird is characterized by its long, narrow, and graduated tail, which it frequently holds aloft or waves from side to side, and a fairly long, slender bill. Its upperparts are a grey-brown hue with rufous-brown edges on the flight feathers and a rufous tinge to the rump, while the underparts are a contrast of whitish throat and breast with warm buff flanks and vent. A distinctive whitish stripe graces the area above the eye, and the lores are dark. The tail feathers are marked with a white tip and a dark subterminal band, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Tawny-flanked Prinia, look for the bird's size, which ranges from 11 to 12 cm in length. Both sexes share a similar plumage, but non-breeding individuals can be distinguished by their longer tails. Juveniles present with pale yellow underparts and a yellowish bill. The bird's call, a short and wheezy repetition, and its monotonous shrill song are also key identification features.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas. It is particularly fond of shrubs and grasses, where it can be seen flitting about with agility.

Distribution

The Tawny-flanked Prinia is a common sight across most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with ten subspecies recognized, each occupying different geographical ranges within the continent. It is notably absent from the wettest and driest regions, including much of the Congo Basin and parts of southern Africa.

Behaviour

The Tawny-flanked Prinia is known for its sociable nature, often foraging in small flocks. It is an insectivorous bird, gleaning insects and other invertebrates from the undergrowth.

Song & Calls

The bird's vocalizations include a short, wheezy call that is rapidly repeated, and a song that consists of a monotonous series of shrill notes. Males are known to sing from exposed perches.

Breeding

Breeding Tawny-flanked Prinias construct a purse-shaped nest from strips of grass, woven together and suspended one to two meters above the ground. The clutch typically consists of two to four eggs, which vary in ground color and are often speckled with brown or purple spots or blotches.

Similar Species

The Pale Prinia (Prinia somalica) of North-east Africa and the River Prinia (Prinia fluviatilis) of West Africa are similar in appearance but can be differentiated by their paler, greyer plumage and habitat preferences.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Tawny-flanked Prinia primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates, which it actively searches for among shrubs and grasses.

Conservation status

The Tawny-flanked Prinia is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not considered to be at risk of extinction in the near future. Its adaptability to man-made habitats has likely contributed to its stable population status.