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Cisticola at Kruger National Park (July) (1 Viewer)

Riqui

Riqui
I think these pics are from a Cisticola, but there are several choices and I need some with more experience than me.
 

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It seems to have red in the wings. In East Africa that would rule rattling out. What about winding (if there)?
I think Rattling is fine. The point about Rattling (including East Africa) is that there is no 'obvious rufous wing panel' not that the wing has no reddish tints.

In Winding, especially in fresh plumage, there is a wing panel which appears as quite a bright red against a black-grey streaked back - see attached photos of Winding. It used to be called Rufous-winged Cisticola, but this name is now for former southern African C. Galactotes (aka Blackbacked Cisticola), which looks very similar and is what might be found at Kruger (though the maps in the books suggest it may be more coastal and might not get quite into Kruger (I don't know)). These two used to be lumped under C galactotes but were split at some point.

I think it's true that they can look more similar from the side in worn / non-breeding plumage or when wet.

160106115 Tarangire.jpg160107047 Tarangire.jpg
 
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I think Rattling is fine. The point about Rattling (including East Africa) is that there is no 'obvious rufous wing panel' not that the wing has no reddish tints.

In Winding, especially in fresh plumage, there is a wing panel which appears as quite a bright red against a black-grey streaked back - see attached photos of Winding. It used to be called Rufous-winged Cisticola, but this name is now for former southern African C. Galactotes (aka Blackbacked Cisticola), which looks very similar and is what might be found at Kruger (though the maps in the books suggest it may be more coastal and might not get quite into Kruger (I don't know)). These two used to be lumped under C galactotes but were split at some point.

I think it's true that they can look more similar from the side in worn / non-breeding plumage or when wet.

View attachment 1416469View attachment 1416470
Always difficult with these Cisticolas, thanks for the suggestions
 
I have no books here to check ranges quickly but unless they can be ruled out on range, I don't see how Grey-backed or Levaillant's can be safely rued out.
 
I have no books here to check ranges quickly but unless they can be ruled out on range, I don't see how Grey-backed or Levaillant's can be safely rued out.
Hi Andy:

According to Sasol 3rd edition, Grey-backed is out on range, and I think it looks rather different (darker, more streaked, stronger red).

As for Levaillant's, it's one of the 'black-backed' group and should look like the Winding that I posted, and even in non-breeding plumage should be redder than this bird.

I think.
 
Hi Andy:

According to Sasol 3rd edition, Grey-backed is out on range, and I think it looks rather different (darker, more streaked, stronger red).

As for Levaillant's, it's one of the 'black-backed' group and should look like the Winding that I posted, and even in non-breeding plumage should be redder than this bird.

I think.
If only it were ever that easy Mac!
 
If only it were ever that easy Mac!
Werll, sometimes it is. It might not be Rattling, but I think that is way more likely than any of the other suggestions.

I'd be interested to hear what other possibilities Riqui thinks there are in his/her 'several choices'.
 
Werll, sometimes it is. It might not be Rattling, but I think that is way more likely than any of the other suggestions.

I'd be interested to hear what other possibilities Riqui thinks there are in his/her 'several choices'.
My expertise is limited so I was considering Rattling but also Wailing and Rofous-winged Cisticolas. But I agree that Rattling is the best option.
 
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