Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_8233 20190924 - exilis male breeding plumage, then tail short. CLICK for another there: 20240106.
Notes: Small. Breeding male: golden crown, nape; heavy black streaks on tawny back;
brown eye,
long pink legs, underparts whitish. Non-breeding male & female: crown
streaked black. Ssp
alexandrae is paler above than nominate exilis, w. less streaking, yellowish crown & rump, rump
unstreaked in non-breeding plumage; diminuta is smaller, richer rufous above than nominate, & w.
plain rump all year; lineocapilla like previous, but duller grey-brown above, more heavily streaked.
Range from Morcombe© (modified)
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_0766 20180427 - exilis non-breeding plumage. CLICK for a different pic.
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_0674 20210101 - exilis non-breeding plumage. Note graduated tail which ismuch longer in non-breeding plumage. CLICK for another pic.
Turf Farms, France Road, Wright's Creek, Cairns, FNE Qld IMG_2213 20201123 -diminuta male breeding plumage.CLICK for a second pic.
Sewage Ponds, Lockhart River, CYPAL, FNE Qld IMG_8032 20220725 -diminuta male non-breeding plumage.CLICK for one at Turf Farm, Wright's Creek, Cairns, FNE Qld 20230325.
Morris Road, Giru, NE Qld IMG_1976 20180511. CLICK for a discussion of Cisticola in breeding season at Giru.
Golf Course, Karumba, FN Qld IMG_7278 20200928 -alexandrae CLICK for another view.
James Price Point, NW WA IMG_3040 20180914 -alexandrae CLICK for another view.
Karumba Point, FN Qld IMG_5504 20200620 -alexandrae
Bindoola Creek, HV8, Gibb River Road, NE WA IMG_8143 20180817 -lineocapilla CLICK for another view.
Derby Wharf, NW WA IMG_0363 20180829 -lineocapilla CLICK for another pic.
Postman's Track, Lake Samsonvale, SE Qld MVI_3751+3765 20190705 - exilis
Golf Course, Karumba, N Qld IMG_7238+7276+7277 20200928 - alexandrae
Boat Ramp, Morris Road, Giru, NE Qld IMG_1419+1476 20200807 - diminuta