Madagascar Cisticola Cisticola cherina

Tiny brown bird with a long tail and bill. Note streaked back and pale underparts. In flight, the white tail tips can be conspicuous. Found in all open habitats, including grassland, marsh, rice paddies, and moist scrub. Incessantly gives a dry “zip” call, often in a hovering flight display. Similar to larger Madagascar Lark, but has a longer tail and bill, and is usually seen perched up on grass or low bushes rather than walking on the ground. All other similar species have a different bill shape.