Unusual nesting behaviour in Zitting cisticolas Cisticola juncidis

Abstract

In Malta, Zitting Cisticolas Cisticola juncidis typically nest in rushes, grasses or shrubs, where they build a bottleshaped nest out of grasses and cobwebs (Sultana & Gauci 1982). In 2010, I recorded two nests of this species built in sapling Aleppo pines (Pinus halapensis). Both nests were approximately 95 cm off the ground and were woven into the upper branches of young pines. They were found on the 29th of May and were 5 metres apart. The first nest was completely built and appeared to have already been used (the young seemed to have fledged), while the second nest was in the process of being built by a male. A few days later it was completed but was never used. This area is part of the first plantings carried out in the Foresta 2000 afforestation project, with tree planting undertaken six years ago and there are many Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) shrubs which are now over a metre high. The Aleppo Pines that the nests were located in were replanted three years ago after a vandal attack destroyed 1000s of tree saplings in the area.