Scientific name:
Cisticola

Natural spread:
Africa, Australia

the Cistensänger breeds a very species-rich type of the warblers in grass-existed open regions of Africa and Australia. The actual Cistensänger (Cisticola juncidis) is in Africa, also in the Mediterranean-area, at the Persian golf and in Asia of India until Japan native. There its occurrence with that of the Gelbwangen-Cistensängers (Cisticola exilis) overlaps, it even advances as far as into Australia's north. Of course, it populates also the island-world around New Guinea.

Shape All Cistensänger-Arten are small, mainly brown birds with a light underside (total-length 8-14 cm). its short, terraced tail is rounded on its ends and put frequently brightly. The sexes often differ strongly without exception smaller in coloring and size, that are female. Cistensänger molt twice per year, the tail-length can be varied with the plumage. The populations of the equatorial Africa form an exception with only one yearly-molt.

Insects are the food of all Cistensänger.

Reproduction With exception of the incubation, Cistensänger are quite inconspicuous birds, leaves perform courtship display only during it hear the male of prolonged chants and undertakes its Singflug. it works abruptly and undulating and is accompanied by short and high reputations. So, the males execute the oddest Balzflüge over its brood-precinct. The nests are anchored densely over the ground at Binsen, grass and reed. they consist of fine plant-material, that is interwoven skillfully with webs. its form, dependent on the type, is globular until protracted and bottle-good with what the entrance can be at the side or above. Almost always, the interior is padded soft. All sorts of fleecy vegetable materials are used for it.

The actual Cistensänger prefers moist and swampy Nistplätze, its pear-shaped nest is approximately 15 cm high, the entrance shows upward. From end of March, it moves in two, more rarely three broods per year 4-6 kids each big. Both alto-birds take part in the brood-business lasting 10 days.