- Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Identification
12.5cm
Brown with a rusty tinge. Paler underparts with a whitish throat. Thin brownish bill. Legs dark brown.
Juvenile is very similar to the adult but rather brighter with tawny-orange tints to upperparts. Legs flesh-coloured.
Similar Species
Marsh Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, African Reed Warbler
Distribution
Europe,western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. A non-migratory population in Morocco is currently referred to this species.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized:
- scirpaceus
- fuscus
Habitat
Reedbeds and some bushes.
Behaviour
Diet
The diet includes mainly insects, though some berries are taken.
Breeding
Monogamous.
It builds a basket like nest in reeds; 3-5 eggs are laid; the young fledge after 10 or 11 days.
It is brood parasitised by the Common Cuckoo.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Acrocephalus scirpaceus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
Thread with links to both Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler songs for comparison
References
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
- Birdforum thread discussing Moroccan Reed Warblers
- Wikipedia
External Links
Reed Warbler Identification Thread