Pectoral-patch Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens) [XC240822]
by Rory Nefdt from Ol Pajeta Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya (flight call)
Pectoral-patch Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens) [XC300129]
by Peter Boesman from Liben plain, Ethiopia (song)
Subspecies
Often considered conspecific with Pale-crowned Cisticola (Cisticola cinnamomeus), but the two occur together in PRCongo, where they occupy different habitats and are vocally quite distinct. Racial identity of populations in central, south-western and extreme south-eastern Gabon and central PRCongo uncertain; subspecies gabun of Wing-snapping Cisticola (Cisticola ayresii) might belong with present species. Further study required.
The following 6 subspecies are recognised:
lynesi Bates, 1926 - Highlands of south-western Cameroon.
mbangensis Chappuis & Érard, 1973 - Adamawa Plateau, in central Cameroon.
wambera Lynes, 1930 - Wambera Plateau, in north-western Ethiopia.
brunnescens Heuglin, 1862 - Northern Eritrea, Ethiopia, north-western Somalia and extreme northern Kenya.
nakuruensis van Someren, 1922 - Kenya and northern Tanzania west of Rift Valley.
hindii Sharpe, 1896 - Kenya and northern Tanzania east of Rift Valley.