Listen:

Gallery:

Key information: More easily heard than seen, the zit-zit-zit song of the Zitting Cisticola is one of the most characteristic sounds of the Cypriot countryside. Found in Cyprus all year round, it is a tiny brown bird that is heavily streaked with black markings. It is usually found in farmland areas or grassland habitats, often near water. It forages on the ground.

Length: 10 – 11 cm

Habitat: Farmland, scrub and bushes, wetlands

When they can be seen: All year round

What they eat: Invertebrates

In Cyprus: Can be seen in farmland areas all over Cyprus

Status: Resident breeder

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis