Zitting Cisticola

spread legs for balance.

Scientific name	Cisticola juncidis
English name	Zitting Cisticola
Japanese name	雪加
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Passeriformes Cisticolidae
Full length	13cm
Distribution	Distributed from the African continent to the low latitudes of the Eurasian continent.

Characteristics

The upper surface is brown, and the wings and tail feathers are mixed with black. The sides of the body are light brown, and the chest and belly are yellowish brown, almost white. The eyebrows are white and the top of the head is blackish. The beak is thin and short. The legs are light flesh colored.

Calls

During the breeding season, they fly and cry with a “hi-hi-hi” sound.

Ecology

Inhabits reed beds near riverbeds and paddy fields. It feeds on insects and spiders. They are polygamous, and males build oval nests in grasslands to attract females. Males sometimes fly over their territory while chirping, but they usually hide in the grasslands.

Habitat

near paddy fields

I took a picture of it perched on a low branch near a paddy field. It had spread its legs in a Zitting Cisticola-like pose, but it flew away immediately.