Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
The Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) is a common cisticola found in 16 countries, weighing about 7 g. The golden-headed cisticola, also known as the bright-capped cisticola, is a species of warbler in the family Cisticolidae, found in Australia and thirteen Asian countries.
About the Golden-headed Cisticola
The golden-headed cisticola, also known as the bright-capped cisticola, is a species of warbler in the family Cisticolidae, found in Australia and thirteen Asian countries. Growing to 9–11.5 cm (3.5–4.5 in) long, it is usually brown and cream in colour, but has a different appearance during the mating season, with a gold-coloured body and a much shorter tail. It is an omnivore and frequently makes a variety of vocalizations. Known as the "finest tailor of all birds", it constructs nests out of plants and spider threads. It mates in the rainy season. It has a very large range and population, which is thought to be increasing.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The golden-headed cisticola is a small species, growing to 9–11.5 cm (3.5–4.5 in) long and weighing 6–10 g (0.21–0.35 oz), with males slightly heavier than females. Although its appearance is similar to the black-backed cisticola (Cisticola eximius), the golden-headed cisticola has a shorter tail during the breeding season. The zitting cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) is also similar, but does not have the "rich golden" head of the golden-headed cisticola.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Bangladesh.
When to see it
The Golden-headed Cisticola can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Golden-headed Cisticola?
- The golden-headed cisticola is a small species, growing to 9–11.5 cm (3.5–4.5 in) long and weighing 6–10 g (0.21–0.35 oz), with males slightly heavier than females. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Golden-headed Cisticola?
- The Golden-headed Cisticola is a tiny sized bird weighing about 7 g.
- Where can you see a Golden-headed Cisticola?
- The Golden-headed Cisticola occurs in 16 countries, including Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- What birds look similar to a Golden-headed Cisticola?
- The Golden-headed Cisticola is most easily confused with the Rattling Cisticola, the Neddicky and the Levaillant's Cisticola.
- Is the Golden-headed Cisticola endangered?
- The Golden-headed Cisticola is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Golden-headed Cisticola for real
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