Basra Reed Warbler

Overview

The Basra reed warbler is a near-endemic breeding species of the genus Acrocephalus found primarily in the Tigris–Euphrates river system. It is currently classified as an Endangered species due to the near destruction of its native habitat following the drainage of the Mesopotamian marshes.

Identification

• Slightly smaller than the great reed warbler with whiter underparts.
• Possesses a narrower, longer and more pointed bill than the great reed warbler.
• Call is described as a gruff 'chaar', which is deeper than that of a common reed warbler.

Habitat

It breeds in extensive beds of papyrus and reeds, specifically within aquatic vegetation in or around shallow, fresh or brackish water, whether still or flowing. Its range includes southwestern Iran, eastern and southern Iraq, and Kuwait, with recent colonisation of wetlands in Israel. During migration or winter, it may be found in thickets and bushland.

Did you know?

The species is a very rare vagrant in Europe, yet it has recently colonised wetlands in Israel, with breeding birds discovered there in 2007.