Identification
A large, long-tailed, streak-backed upland cisticola. Note the lack of rufous or rich brown in the plumage, and also the pale tips to the tail. Found in dry thorn savanna and thornscrub. Similar to other cisticolas, especially Rattling, Tana River, and Boran, but identified by its song and by the absence of rufous or brown on the cap. Often sits on top of bushes and trees to sing. Song is a short musical whistled phrase, usually with a downward pitch trend, but sometimes trending upward. Much more musical than the song of Boran Cisticola, often with more variation in pitch. The calls are high-pitched squeaks.