What sort of a name is Zitting Cisticola?
I’m in Italy for a couple of weeks and, although I’ve got work to do, I’m having a few trips out to Il Pratone di Torre Spaccata. It’s stunning here, with the rain and sunshine making a magnificent meadow of flowers. There are noisy birds displaying over the bloom-strewn land. They are Zitting Cisticolas.
I couldn’t quite believe it when I read the name Zitting Cisticola. I mean, what? The name Streaked Fantailed Warbler seems far more sensible.
Gorgeous, aren’t they?
They’re also desperately annoying, with the male’s incessant ‘zitting’ call and zig-zag flight, touring his territory. I can see where the nest he’s built is, hidden suspended in tall grass. His mate will line it and lay her eggs in it if she chooses him.
I hope they’ll make lots of new Streaked Fantailed Warblers.
More from il Pratone di Torre Spaccata
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