Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया - Birds Arouind Me 0266

The Zitting Cisticola, known in Hindi as घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, or तुनतुनीया, is a tiny grassland bird that fills the air with its distinctive “zitting” calls. Despite its small size, this bird is one of the most noticeable residents of India’s open fields and wetlands.  

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया
Jabalpur, December 2025

Measuring just 10–12 cm in length, the Zitting Cisticola is a delicate bird with streaked brown upperparts, a short rounded tail, and buff underparts. Its rufous rump and fine streaks give it excellent camouflage among tall grasses. Though plain in appearance, its lively behavior and constant calling make it easy to identify.  

This species is widely distributed across India, South Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, thriving in grasslands, scrub, and wetlands. In India, it is a common resident, often seen flitting among tall grasses or perched on reeds. Its preference for open habitats makes it a familiar sight near villages and farmlands.  

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया
Jabalpur, December 2025

The Zitting Cisticola is best known for its display flight, where the male rises above the grass in a zigzag pattern, producing repetitive “zitting” notes that sound like scissors snipping. This aerial performance is both a territorial display and a courtship ritual. It feeds mainly on small insects, hopping actively among grass stems in search of prey. Nests are built low in grass clumps, carefully woven and hidden from predators.  

The Hindi names घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, and तुनतुनीया reflect its association with grasslands and its distinctive call. Rural communities often recognize it by its constant “pit-pit” notes echoing across fields.  

Hindi Names of Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis): घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया

Birds Around Me - Unfinished List (अपूर्ण  सूची) 
https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html 

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया
Jabalpur, December 2025

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) घास की फुतकी, पिटपिटी, खेरगुसा, तुनतुनीया
Jabalpur, December 2025