Cisticola galactotes
The Rufous-winged Cisticola, also known as the Black-backed Cisticola, occurs only in a rather limited portion of Southern Africa, stretching from southern Malawi and central Mozambique southwards to the Kwazulu-Natal / Eastern Cape border in South Africa. It is very common where it occurs and the IUCN lists it as being of least concern.
As with others of its family the Rufous-winged Cisticola is a small bird, measuring about 13cm long and weighing only about 13g. It inhabits low-lying wetlands, reedbeds, adjacent grassland and sugarcane plantations, living mainly of insects. They are usually seen singly or in pairs. Rufous-winged Cisticolas are monogamous and build their ball-shaped nests just slightly above ground or water level in dense vegetation in marshy areas. Their breeding season spans spring and summer, during which the pair raise a brood of 2-4 chicks. The incubation period lasts about 2 weeks, with the chicks leaving the nest about the same length of time after hatching.
DeWetsWild 
Such a cute little bird. Great photos.
LikeLike
Wow! I’m impressed with the number on your list of captured images. Your patience is well noted.
LikeLike
It certainly helps that we live in one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dis vir my so oulik as hulle aan so ‘n ou dun stingeltjie hang! Pragtige foto’s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dit help natuurlik dat hulle self omtrent niks weeg nie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must have a well-ticked bird list by now 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I reached exactly 600 South African species ticked on my visit to St. Lucia last month, Anne.
LikeLike
What a fantastic milestone!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anne. I’m hoping to add a few more on our upcoming tour of the Cape. We’re lucky to live in a country so rich in species!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This one is new for me. Thanks, D. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to introduce you, H.J!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you D.! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it amazing how birds can perch on such slender things even if the wind is blowing like mad? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially so when considering that such small birds themselves are only a few grams in weight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a sweet little one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite right, Lois!
LikeLiked by 1 person