Golden-headed Cisticola, Habitat, Distribution, Appearance

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Golden-headed Cisticola Latest News

Recently, Golden-headed Cisticola bird was discovered for the first time in the Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki in the southern Western Ghats after an extensive gap.

About Golden-headed Cisticola

The Scientific Name of the Golden-headed Cisticola is Cisticola exilis.
It is also known as the bright-capped cisticola, is a species of warbler in the family Cisticolidae.
It is omnivorous, primarily eating invertebrates such as insects and small slugs, but also eating grass seeds.
Habitat of Golden-headed Cisticola: It is usually found in grasslands in the mountain ranges.
Distribution of Golden-headed Cisticola: It is found in Australia and Asian countries. In India it has been observed in parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northern Kerala.
Golden-headed Cisticola Appearance: Male birds have distinct golden-orange plumage on their head, neck, and chest during breeding. They also have pinkish beaks and black streaks on their backs. They can be easily identified by their distinctive call.
The bird was previously spotted in the grasslands of Banasura Hills in Wayanad.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Least Concern

Mathikettan Shola National Park

It is located in the southern part of the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
Vegetation of Mathikettan Shola National Park: It houses evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands and semi-evergreens.
Three streams namely Uchillkuthi Puzha, Mathikettan Puzha, and Njandar being the tributaries of Panniyar, originate from the hill ranges of Mathikettan.
Highest Point of Mathikettan Shola National Park : Kattumala is located in the eastern border of the park adjoining Tamil Nadu.
Muthavan tribes are situated about the northeastern borders of Mathikettan Shola.