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26

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) Alternate name(s): "Golden Cisticola", "Golden-headed Fantail Warbler", "Tailorbird", "Barleybird", "Cornbird" Size: 9-11 cm; wing span: ca. 15 cm Body mass: 6-11 g Wing loading [g/cm2]: 0.15-0.18

Australia: Family Group 26 Family Group 26 Table Australian Reed-Warbler Spinifexbird Tawny Grassbird Little Grassbird Golden-headed Cisticola Zitting Cisticola Rufous Songlark Brown Songlark Yellow White-eye Ash-bellied White-eye Silvereye Bassian Thrush Russet-tailed Thrush Metallic Starling Thumbnails page Family group table Index of bird names Habitat pages Key plants Birds home page

Similar species

Description     Classification     Distribution     Sightings     Photos     Breeding     Nest     Eggs     Behaviour     Food     Call/s

Physical description Click here for a physical description Golden-headed Cisticolas are small reed birds in Australia. Their plumage is cryptic, especially during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, male Golden-headed Cisticolas have an orange-brown ("golden") head and nape of the neck, a creamy front and pale orange-brown sides, flanks and vent. During the non-breeding season males and females are identical. They have a creamy front, tawny-rufous sides, flanks and vent. The head and neck are then also tawny-rufous, with dark-brown striation. The back is tawny-rufous, with heavy dark-brown striation all year round. The tail is dark-brown with lighter outer edges. Details in the colouring also depend on race. The eyes have dark-brown irises. The relatively long, slightly down-curved bill has a grey upper mandible, the lower mandible is horn-coloured. The legs and feet are the colour of skin. Juveniles have duller colours. Twitcher's tip Compared with Zitting Cisticolas, Golden-headed Cisticolas have richer colours.

Taxonomy, classification See Golden-headed Cisticola at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat, finding this species Click here for information on habitat and range The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found, based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to ebird.org . The global distribution of the Golden-headed Cisticola is available HERE . Golden-headed Cisticolas reside in a region spanning from one isolated area in south-western India and the southern fringe of the Himalayas (northern India, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh), via south-eastern Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam) to parts of eastern Asia (southern China, Taiwan) and via the Philippines, central and eastern Indonesia, Timor Leste, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands southwards to Australia. There are four races of Golden-headed Cisticolas in Australia - for details on their individual distributions see a field guide. Altogether they are found along the North and East coast of the continent and a wide near-coastal margin. Their range extends from about Onslow, WA, along the North coast and all through the tropical North, i.e. the Kimberley, the northern half of the NT and QLD, including Cape York peninsula, along the East coast and associated hills of the Great Dividing Range of QLD and NSW, through southern VIC and into the south-eastern part of SA, including the area just to the East of Adelaide, SA. They are not found in the Southern Alps, South-West of Canberra, ACT, but throughout most of the Murray River catchment. Nominate race "exilis" occupies the south-eastern part of that range, from the VIC/SA border to the tropic of Capricorn in QLD. Race "alexandrae" is found in the Gascoyne, South of the Kimberley, in the northern inland NT (South of the Top End), South of the Gulf of Carpentaria and in central QLD, from North of Mt. Isa to about Rockhampton on the East coast (but not on Cape York peninsula or the near-coastal region to the North of the Burdekin River). Race "lineocapilla" is found only in the Kimberley, WA, and the Top End of the NT, up to eastern Arnhemland, and on the Tiwi Islands. The range of race "diminuta" encompasses the far North-east of the Australian continent, extending north-eastward from a line connecting a narrow coastal margin in central QLD with the western base of Cape York peninsula. Golden-headed Cisticolas have a preference for reeds and tall grass, usually near water. Where to look? How to find this species? The best way to find Golden-headed Cisticolas is to look for extensive areas with reeds, tall grasses or weeds, then - especially during the peak of the breeding season, listen for the males' incessant calls from the top of particularly tall plants.

Sightings Click here for sighting information Race "exilis" A Golden-headed Cisticola, race "exilis", was first observed by us at Narrabri Lake, Narrabri, NSW, in August 2008. Since then, they are found regularly at the same location. Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis" were also seen at Macquarie Marshes NR in April 2011 and at Goran Lake, an ephemeral lake 30 km South of Gunnedah, NSW, in June-October 2011. Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis", were also spotted in Hunter Wetlands NP in the estuary of the Hunter River, near Newcastle, NSW, on several occasions and in the estuary of the Manning River in September 2011. C. Hayne has made the observation in the area of Moree, NSW, in 2012 that where there used to be many Australian Reed-warblers before, Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis", have taken over. A pair of Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis", was observed by us in roadside vegetation on a hill crest at Eulah Creek, 20 km East of Narrabri, NSW, in May 2013. Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis", are observed regularly by A. Ross-Taylor in sparse growth on dunes at The Spit, Gold Coast, QLD. M. Eaton reports finding Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "exilis", regularly in several (near-)coastal locations in south-eastern QLD. C. Pears found a Golden-headed Cisticola, race "exilis", at the Broome Bird Observatory, Broome, WA, in June 2025. Race "alexandrae" J. Greaves reports finding Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "alexandrae", at the Granites Gold Mine, inland NT, in August 2015. P. Brown reports spotting a Golden-headed Cisticola, race "alexandrae", in Timber Creek, NT, in November 2018. Race "lineocapilla" H. Mouritsen reports finding Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "lineocapilla", in various locations in and around Darwin, NT, in October 2015. J. Greaves reports spotting Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "lineocapilla", in Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, NT, in September 2016. P. Brown reports finding Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "lineocapilla", semi-regularly in various locations in and around Darwin, NT. Race "diminuta" M. Eaton reports spotting Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "diminuta", at Stanage Bay, QLD, and at the Mackay Botanical Gardens, QLD, in July 2021. J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours reports finding Golden-headed Cisticolas, race "diminuta", regularly in various locations in (near-)coastal northern QLD.

Photos

Race "exilis"

ADULT

PAIR

Many bird species exhibit sexual dimorphism, i.e., male and female have differing appearances which can be quite subtle.
During the breeding season male Golden-headed Cisticolas have a bright orange-brown helmet; the cap of the female is then striated dark-brown. In eclipse the sexes look alike - the male then looks the same as the female.

Near-lateral view of a pair of Golden-headed Cisticolas on a roadside fence, male in breeding plumage on the left
[Eulah Creek, NSW, May 2013]

MALE

BREEDING

Near-frontal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage
[Goran Lake, near Gunnedah, NSW, December 2023]

Near-frontal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage issuing its call
[Goran Lake, near Gunnedah, NSW, December 2023]

Near-frontal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Atkinson Dam, near Lowood, QLD, October 2019]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage studying the observer (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, QLD, October 2021]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage marking its territory
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, QLD, November 2021]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage marking its territory (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Eastlakes Golf Course, Sydney, NSW, December 2013]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, QLD, October 2021]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage marking its territory (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, QLD, October 2021]

Lateral/ventral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage marking its territory (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Cooloola NP, QLD, December 2017]

Lateral/ventral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage marking its territory (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Cooloola NP, QLD, December 2017]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage looking away from the observer (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Priors Pocket Road, Moggill, QLD, October 2021]

Near-dorsal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage looking sideways (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Postman's Track, Lake Samsonvale, QLD, November 2019]

Dorsal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage looking sideways (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Eastlakes Golf Course, Sydney, NSW, December 2013]

FEMALE

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola; this bird was found, at the height of the breeding season, together with a male - it is therefore very likely an adult female, not a male in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Postman's Track, Lake Samsonvale, QLD, November 2019]

NON-BREEDING

Frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage looking sideways; note the erectile crest and also the typical tapered pattern on the undertail
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, August 2016]

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage looking at the observer
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, July 2014]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage looking towards the observer
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, August 2016]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Atkinson Dam, QLD, March 2019]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Atkinson Dam, QLD, March 2019]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage issuing its "bzzt-bzzzt" warning call
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, August 2016]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, June 2016]

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage issuing its call (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Atkinson Dam, QLD, March 2019]

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, June 2016]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage; the bird was observed launching itself from this vantage point into a display flight (photo courtesy of A. Ross-Taylor)
[The Spit, Gold Coast, QLD, August 2015]

Near-dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Oxley Common, Brisbane, QLD, August 2017]

Close-up dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, August 2016]

IMMATURE/JUVENILE

Frontal view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, March 2013]

Frontal view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways
[Goran Lake, near Gunnedah, NSW, April 2012]

Frontal/ventral view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways
[Old Quipolly Dam, near Quirindi, NSW, February 2018]

Near-lateral view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola
[Goran Lake, near Gunnedah, NSW, April 2012]

Lateral view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola
[Old Quipolly Dam, near Quirindi, NSW, February 2018]

Lateral view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola looking backwards
[Narrabri Lake, NSW, March 2016]

Dorsal view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola
[Goran Lake, near Gunnedah, NSW, April 2012]

Race "alexandrae"

ADULT

NON-BREEDING

Frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Nackeroo Lookout Road, Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage
[Timber Creek airport, Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

Distant lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of J. Greaves)
[The Granites Gold Mine, inland NT, August 2015]

Near-dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Timer Creek airport, Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

Race "lineocapilla"

ADULT

MALE

BREEDING

Near-lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Darwin, NT, January 2018]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage issuing its call - this is the bird whose calls were recorded on 13 Jan. 2018 (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Darwin, NT, January 2018]

Ventral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Darwin, NT, January 2018]

"Jumping Jack Flash" - male Golden-headed Cisticola in breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Darwin, NT, January 2018]

NON-BREEDING

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Leanyer Swamp, Darwin, NT, July 2019]

Near-lateral/ventral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola on a high perch; based on its behaviour, this bird is probably a male (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Roseberry, Darwin, NT, May 2018]

Lateral/ventral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola on a high perch; based on its behaviour, this bird is probably a male
(photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Roseberry, Darwin, NT, May 2018]

FEMALE

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage; given its generally pale appearance this may be a female (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Tree Point Conservation Area, Shoal Bay, NT, March 2019]

Near-lateral view of a soaking wet Golden-headed Cisticola (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Knuckey Lagoon, Darwin, NT, September 2019]

Near-dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of J. Greaves)
[Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, NT, September 2016]

Near-dorsal/ventral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Tree Point Conservation Area, Shoal Bay, NT, March 2019]

Dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage looking back at the observer
(photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Knuckey Lagoon, NT, October 2019]

Dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of J. Greaves)
[Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, NT, September 2016]

IMMATURE/JUVENILE

Near-lateral view of a juvenile Golden-headed Cisticola found on a beach (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Tree Point Conservation Area, Shoal Bay, NT, March 2019]

Race "diminuta"

ADULT

NON-BREEDING

Frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Mareeba, QLD, March 2024]

Frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Bicentennial Lakes, Mareeba, QLD, August 2020]

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking towards the observer (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Botanical Gardens, Mackay, QLD, July 2021]

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Botanical Gardens, Mackay, QLD, July 2021]

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Edmonton, Cairns, QLD, July 2020]

Near-frontal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Botanical Gardens, Mackay, QLD, July 2021]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking at the observer (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Botanical Gardens, Mackay, QLD, July 2021]

Close-up near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Tyto Wetlands, Ingham, QLD, July 2020]

Near-lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Botanical Gardens, Mackay, QLD, July 2021]

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage (photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Stanage Bay, QLD, July 2021]

Lateral view of a Golden-headed Cisticola diving down from its perch (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Edmonton, Cairns, QLD, July 2020]

Close-up near-dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Tyto Wetlands, Ingham, QLD, July 2020]

Dorsal view of a Golden-headed Cisticola looking sideways (photo courtesy of J. Boettcher, FNQ Nature Tours)
[Edmonton, Cairns, QLD, July 2020]

Behaviour

Several pairs can sometimes be seen in close proximity, suggesting the presence of a mob, while in fact they do not share the territory.

Near-frontal view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola on a roadside fence
[Eulah Creek, NSW, December 2013]

Lateral view of a male Golden-headed Cisticola on a roadside fence
[Eulah Creek, NSW, December 2013]

Food, Diet

Golden-headed Cisticolas feed on insects and spiders.

Golden-headed Cisticola eyeing a spider's web, either to collect nesting material or to have a meal, or both
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Gatton, QLD, December 2017]

Golden-headed Cisticola in non-breeding plumage with its prey, possibly a tadpole (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Airport, Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

Golden-headed Cisticola with its prey, a flying insect
[Near Narrabri, NSW, February 2024]

Call(s)/Song

For this species we have recorded the following call(s)/song. The interpretation of their meaning is our own; comments and suggestions for improvement are welcome.

More Golden-headed Cisticola sound recordings are available at xeno-canto.org .

These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our contributors. The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.