cisticola
cisticola Lexical Profile
cisticola Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of numerous small, insectivorous Old World warblers of the genus Cisticola, native primarily to the grasslands and wetlands of Africa, with a few species extending into Asia, Europe, and Australasia. They are noted for their complex, woven nest structures and distinctive, repetitive calls.
"During the ornithology field trip in the African savanna, our guide pointed out a zitting cisticola calling loudly from atop a tall stem of grass."
• Rhymes for cisticola
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Modern Latin genus name Cisticola (coined in 1829), combining Latin 'cista' (box, basket) and '-cola' (dweller, inhabitant). The name refers to the intricate, purse-like or basket-like nests these birds construct from woven grasses and plant down.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.