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Birds · Sumatera · Java

Zitting Cisticola

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis). The zitting cisticola uses open grassy cover; its repeated short call in flight can reveal it before plumage details are clear.

Updated Facts checked Cisticola juncidisEditorial standards

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Photograph of Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis).
(c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Zitting Cisticola at a glance

The Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) is a bird in the family Cisticolidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. Diet: insects and small invertebrates, plus some grass seeds; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Zitting Cisticola
Scientific nameCisticola juncidis
Indonesian nameCici padi
GroupBirds
FamilyCisticolidae
Observation recordsNusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi
Taxonomic groupPasseriformes
GBIF records5,042 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeCarnivore (meat-eater) — insects and small invertebrates, plus some grass seeds · BirdLife DataZone
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)
ActiveDiurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Zitting Cisticola?

Zitting Cisticola refers to Cisticola juncidis, in the genus Cisticola, family Cisticolidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Zitting Cisticola?

The zitting cisticola uses open grassy cover; its repeated short call in flight can reveal it before plumage details are clear.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Zitting Cisticola?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 5,042 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Zitting Cisticola?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Zitting Cisticola with Olive-backed Tailorbird, Metallic Starling, Pied Bushchat. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Zitting Cisticola

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyCisticolidae
GenusCisticola
SpeciesCisticola juncidis

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Zitting Cisticola

What is the scientific name of the Zitting Cisticola?

The scientific name of the Zitting Cisticola is Cisticola juncidis, in the family Cisticolidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Cici padi.

What kind of animal is the Zitting Cisticola?

The Zitting Cisticola is a bird in the family Cisticolidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects and small invertebrates, plus some grass seeds.

Where does the Zitting Cisticola live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Zitting Cisticola summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Zitting Cisticola eat?

The Zitting Cisticola is a insects and small invertebrates, plus some grass seeds. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife DataZone.

How does the Zitting Cisticola reproduce?

The Zitting Cisticola reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).

Is the Zitting Cisticola nocturnal?

The cited source records the Zitting Cisticola as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Zitting Cisticola?

Scientific classification of the Zitting Cisticola: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Cisticolidae, genus Cisticola, species Cisticola juncidis.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Zitting Cisticola endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Zitting Cisticola is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Zitting Cisticola is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. BirdLife DataZone ↗
  6. Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
  7. EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/cisticola-juncidis/

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