Unknown African Passerine

[scott bates]

Took this picture in the southern section of the Serengeti.  Didn't ask the guide about it. I've been through the Birds of East Africa and a general wildlife guide and the closest species I come up with is the Grey Penduline but I don't think that's it.

[Michelle]

Hi Scott,

That is one of the Cisticolas, an unfortunately notoriously tricky group to differentiate.  If this is your only shot, it doesn't show patterning on the back or length and arrangement of the tail, which would be really helpful in sorting them out - you may have to leave this as "Cisticola spp"

Good luck!

Michelle 

On Wed, Oct 2, 2024 at 8:11 AM scott bates <fennec...@gmail.com> wrote:

Took this picture in the southern section of the Serengeti.  Didn't ask the guide about it. I've been through the Birds of East Africa and a general wildlife guide and the closest species I come up with is the Grey Penduline but I don't think that's it.

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[Gail Mackiernan]

Yes, one of the dreaded Cisticolas! A type of old world Warbler. 

Sent from my iPad

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[Daniel Sloan]

Scott,

I've been to the Serengeti a few times, and yes, Cisticolas are challenging.

Based on this photo (which I don't feel is enough to make an ID) this is probably a Rattling Cisticola. It is a common species there.

FYI...Maryland and DC's Birding Discord Server is an excellent place to discuss things like this: https://discord.gg/tKWhgDa5Yx

Thanks,

Daniel Sloan

Washington, DC