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.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 152

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 274

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 115

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

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 340

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

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

Newmans Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1991 - Page: 80

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 450

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 460

LBJs - Author: Newman, Johnson, Solomon, Masterson - Published: 1998 - Page: 60

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 358

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 358

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

Geoff Lockwoods Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Published: 0 - Page: 129

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 258

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

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 101

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 214

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

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 184

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 230

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 248

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List of South African Birds