Exploring Pigeon Valley: Zitting Cisticola

This is the 83rd article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article is on the Zitting Cisticola.

This inconspicuous grassland dweller is remarkably widespread in the world, from northeastern Australia to Southern Europe. I had read of its having been present some time in the past, in the the reservoir area at Pigeon Valley, but it was only after Durban Water had stopped mowing the reservoir and let it revert to natural grassland that a pair established themselves there again.

Cisticolas are notoriously hard to identify, causing birdwatchers much deep anxiety, but the male has a characteristic zigzag flight that helps. Sadly, after some time at the reservoir the birds disappeared around 2016. In July, however, I was at the grassland when I saw this bird fly in and managed to get some photos of it. It seemed not to stay at all, as I have not seen any sign of it since.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Plane

This event illustrates two points: the first being that most birds need a specific habitat to thrive. This bird needs grassland, which is not the same as a mown lawn. Grassland is wilder, less neat and much more diverse and rich in species. Secondly, birds have great ability to move. We have had the most unusual birds arrive, apparently out of nowhere, and, of course, they can equally well leave. Protecting birds means that we should not just protect the local habitat, but plan to protect birds as much as we can as they move between one habitat and another.

At present we are awaiting the burning of the grassland. Some failure led to its not happening last week; possibly rain will make it now impossible. The burning of grassland every few years is a process that takes place in nature, generally through lightning; it leads to the introduction of new species, so we are hoping it can go ahead.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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