Image via Macaulay Library
Wailing Cisticola
- Scientific name
- Cisticola lais
- Family
- Cisticolidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais) is a small passerine bird native to the grassy, mountainous regions of Southern Africa. Taxonomically described in the 19th century, it belongs to a genus famously known for the cryptic appearance of its members, which often leads to them being called 'little brown jobs' by field ornithologists. Its name is derived from its distinct, piercing, and repetitive call, which serves as a primary adaptation for establishing territory in wind-swept, high-altitude grasslands.
The bird's physical design features a notably pointed wing shape and a characteristic notched tail, structural attributes that facilitate its agile, erratic flight patterns among dense vegetation. These morphological traits were evolutionarily refined to allow the species to navigate complex habitats while foraging for insects. Ornithological documentation of the species emphasizes its resilience in specific micro-climates, highlighting how its physical anatomy is perfectly calibrated for its challenging, high-elevation environment.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Wailing Cisticola
Wailing Cisticola is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Wailing Cisticola on collecto.rs?
Wailing Cisticola doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Wailing Cisticola?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Wailing Cisticola catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Wailing Cisticola is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
