Help identifying a Cypriot Bird (1 Viewer)

[Dizzy Debs]

Hi there. I have just returned from my mums in Cyprus and there is a bird that we heard every single day and it is bugging us both as to what it is ! Unfortunately there does not appear to be any good Cyprus bird books so I am hoping someone on here may be able to help although the only info I can give is very little because I never actually got to see it, only hear it.

My mum lives in a village in the mountains in Anogyra which is half way between Pathos and Limmasol. She is surrounded by open fields and farmland. Every day we would see this little bird fly over, about the size of a sparrow, maybe a little smaller, and he always flew at a height where we couldn't really get so see its markings or colourings. What was distinct about it however, is that as it flew, it kind of bobbed in flight and as it did, would make this singular 'tic' sound which was quite loud and travelled quite far. I have no idea how you can start to identify a bird just by its bird song but I am so keen to work out what this was as it is a regular bird at mums place although we have only seen him and heard him in flight.

If anyone has any ideas it would be great to hear from you.

Thanks !

 

[Jon Turner]

Zitting Cisticola (or Fan-tailed Warbler to us oldies) is a good candidate for that call.

Jon

 

[Bubbs]

Zitting Cisticola (or Fan-tailed Warbler to us oldies) is a good candidate for that call.

Jon

Good shout.

John.

 

[Dizzy Debs]

Thanks Jon. I have googled that bird and its song but that doesn't sound like it at all sadly. But thank you. I will just know it when I hear it. This loud, sharp 'tic......tic.......tic......' as it bobs in flight. I so want to know what it was as it was so resident across the fields. I wish I had more to go on but thats it !

 

[Motmot]

"She is surrounded by open fields and farmland. Every day we would see this little bird fly over, about the size of a sparrow, maybe a little smaller, and he always flew at a height where we couldn't really get so see its markings or colourings. What was distinct about it however, is that as it flew, it kind of bobbed in flight and as it did, would make this singular 'tic' sound which was quite loud and travelled quite far. "

Description sounds perfect for Zitting Cisticola...

 

[birding maniac]

Thanks Jon. I have googled that bird and its song but that doesn't sound like it at all sadly. But thank you. I will just know it when I hear it. This loud, sharp 'tic......tic.......tic......' as it bobs in flight. I so want to know what it was as it was so resident across the fields. I wish I had more to go on but thats it !

Zitting Cisticola matches your description. The song would most likely be different to the birds call, which it would give in this type of flight

 

[bitterntwisted]

I have to agree it sounds perfect for Zitting Cisticola. Several examples here... http://www.xeno-canto.org/europe/species.php?query=gen:Cisticola+species:juncidis

 

[Dizzy Debs]

I have to agree it sounds perfect for Zitting Cisticola. Several examples here... http://www.xeno-canto.org/europe/species.php?query=gen:Cisticola+species:juncidis

Thank you, that is exactly what it sounded like so must be it ! And what a fantastic link, many thanks !