Common name: Delicate Prinia
Scientific name: Prinia gracilis lepida
Family: Cisticolidae

Size:
Body length: 10–13 cm
Wingspan: 12–15 cm
Weight: 6–10 g

Identification:
A very small, slender warbler with a long, often cocked tail. Plumage is soft brown to sandy above with paler underparts. It has a fine, pointed bill and a subtle supercilium (eyebrow). The tail is frequently flicked and appears relatively long compared to the body. Overall, it blends perfectly with dry vegetation.

Habitat:
Scrublands, reed beds, desert bushes, agricultural edges, and urban green spaces with dense low vegetation.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident breeder. Widely distributed in suitable habitats across the country.

Diet:
Insectivorous — feeds mainly on small insects and larvae, occasionally spiders.

Behavior:
Highly active and restless, constantly moving through low vegetation. Frequently flicks its tail while foraging. Usually detected by its sharp, repetitive “zit-zit” call. Often seen singly or in pairs.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)