The familyCisticolidae is a group of about 160warblers, smallpasserinebirds found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They were formerly included within theOld World warbler familySylviidae.
This family probably originated inAfrica, which has the majority of species, but there are representatives of the family across tropicalAsia intoAustralasia, and one species, thezitting cisticola, breeds inEurope.
These are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. They are often difficult to see and many species are similar in appearance, so the song is often the best identification guide. These are insectivorous birds which nest low in vegetation.
^Ryan, P.; Dean, R. (2017). del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J.; Christie, D.A.; de Juana, E. (eds.)."Red-winged Prinia (Prinia erythroptera)".Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions. Retrieved27 August 2017.
^Ryan, P.; Dean, R. (2017). del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J.; Christie, D.A.; de Juana, E. (eds.)."Red-fronted Prinia (Prinia rufifrons)".Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions. Retrieved27 August 2017.
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Ryan, Peter (2006). Family Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and allies). Pp. 378–492 in del Hoyo J., Elliott A. & Christie D.A. (2006)Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 11. Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers Lynx Edicions, BarcelonaISBN978-84-96553-06-4
