Description

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Context

The Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis), a bird typically found in grasslands, was recently discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki, located in the southern part of the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. This marks the first sighting of the bird in this region after a significant gap, which has drawn the attention of local birdwatchers and researchers.

About Golden-headed Cisticola

Scientific Name	Cisticola exilis
Other Names	Bright-capped Cisticola
Family	Cisticolidae (Warblers)
Diet	Omnivorous: primarily invertebrates (insects, small slugs) and grass seeds. Adapted to grasslands.
Preferred Habitat	Grasslands, especially in hilly or mountainous areas with tall grasses.
Global Distribution	Asia and Australia
In India	Spotted in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, northern Kerala, and recently in Mathikettan Shola National Park.
Physical Characteristics	Males have vibrant golden-orange plumage on head, neck, and chest, with a pinkish beak and dark streaks on their back.
Call	Distinctive call, which helps with identification.
Earlier Sightings	Previously recorded in the grasslands of Banasura Hills, Wayanad, Kerala.
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: Least Concern

About Mathikettan Shola National Park

Location	Southern region of the Palakkad Gap, within the Western Ghats in Kerala.
Vegetation Types	- Evergreen forests - Moist deciduous forests - Shola grasslands - Semi-evergreen forests
Water Sources	- Uchillkuthi Puzha - Mathikettan Puzha - Njandar (tributaries of the Panniyar River)
Highest Point	Kattumala (on the park’s eastern border, adjacent to Tamil Nadu)
Tribal Presence	Muthavan tribe living near the northeastern border, contributing to the cultural aspect of the park.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to the Golden-headed Cisticola, consider the following statements:

The Golden-headed Cisticola is primarily found in grasslands and has been spotted recently in Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki.
The species is omnivorous, feeding mostly on insects and grass seeds.
The Golden-headed Cisticola is listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct
The Golden-headed Cisticola is typically found in grasslands, and its recent sighting in Mathikettan Shola National Park is a rare occurrence in the region.

Statement 2 is correct
The species is omnivorous, feeding mainly on invertebrates like insects and small slugs, along with grass seeds, and is adapted to life in grasslands.

Statement 3 is incorrect
The Golden-headed Cisticola is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.