Tawny-flanked Prinia

Afrikaans name: Bruinsylangstertjie

Tawny-flanked Prinia

Photo © Steven Herbert

Prinia subflava

The Tawny-flanked Prinia is a common bird that is widely distributed over the eastern half of South Africa. They are normally found in patches of long grass, low bushes, weeds or other tall vegetation.

They are often found in pairs or small groups and have a habit of clinging to long grass and making their tseep sounding call.

Tawny-flanked Prinias feed mainly on insects but also do eat nectar.

They breed through spring and summer. The nest is oval shaped with the entrance on the side but near the top. Around 3 eggs are laid and it is interesting that the colour of the eggs varies from cream to blue to pink, with or without markings.

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References and further reading

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 63

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 174

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 185

Geoff Lockwood's Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Year Published: - Page: 129

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 596

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 594

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 362

List of South African Birds