Luapula Cisticola (Cisticola luapula) [XC185626]
by id from Caprivi Game Park, Kavango, Namibia (song)
Subspecies
Forms a superspecies with Rufous-winged Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes), Winding Cisticola (Cisticola marginatus), Ethiopian Cisticola (Cisticola lugubris) and Coastal Cisticola (Cisticola haematocephalus) and all often treated as conspecific, but separated on basis of vocal and plumage differences. Further research, using genetic markers, is required. Present species does not respond to playback of Rufous-winged Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes) song in south-west of its range, but more information needed from north-east, where range abuts that of Winding Cisticola (Cisticola marginatus).
Geographical variation limited and little evidence to support recognition of proposed subspecies schoutedeni (north-western Zambia) or stagnans (northern Botswana).