Paddyfield Warbler

Overview

The paddyfield warbler (Acrocephalus agricola) is a species of marsh warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It was formerly included in the 'Old World warbler' assemblage, and the Manchurian reed warbler was sometimes considered a subspecies of this bird.

Identification

• At 13 cm long with a wingspan of 15–17.5 cm, it is close in size to the Eurasian reed warbler but has a shorter bill and wingspan.
• Adults feature an unstreaked pale brown back, buff underparts, and a warm brown rump, with a clearer whitish supercilium.
• The bill is short and pointed, and while sexes are identical, young birds appear richer buff below.
• The song is fast and similar to the marsh warbler, characterized by much mimicry, acrocephaline whistles, and a weaker, more rhythmic quality.

Habitat

This passerine inhabits low vegetation such as long grass, reeds, and rice. It breeds in the temperate central Palearctic and winters in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with rare vagrant records in western Europe and small breeding populations near the Bulgarian-Romanian border.

Diet

Like most warblers, the paddyfield warbler is insectivorous.

Did you know?

The specific name agricola is derived from Latin and means 'farmer'.