Luapula Cisticola Cisticola luapula

Relatively colorful, mid-sized, long-tailed cisticola. Note the brown back with thick black streaks, rufous on the wing and cap, and pale underparts. The base color of the back is gray in breeding plumage and rufous in non-breeding plumage. Found in wetland habitats, especially wet scrub. The song is a few “pleek” calls followed by several lower “chek” notes. Very similar to Chirping Cisticola, and best separated by song. Visually, Luapula Cisticola is slightly smaller, the tail is grayer, and the rufous crown and wing patch are brighter.