Kingdom Animalia Suborder Passeri Phylum Chordata Rank Family | Order Passeriformes Scientific name Cisticolidae Higher classification Passerine | |
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Lower classifications Prinia, Cisticola, Zitting cisticola, Tailorbird, Apalis | ||
The Cisticolidae family of small passerine birds is a group of about 110 warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are often included within the Old World warbler family Sylviidae.
This family probably originated in Africa, which has the majority of species, but there are representatives of the family across tropical Asia into Australasia, and one species, the zitting cisticola, even breeds in Europe.
These are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. They are often difficult to see and many species are similar in appearance, so the song is often the best identification guide.
These are insectivorous birds which nest low in vegetation.
Species list in taxonomic order
Based on Del Hoyo et al. (2006)