Common Reed Warbler

Overview

The common reed warbler, also known as the Eurasian reed-warbler, is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It breeds across Europe and the temperate western Palaearctic, where it is migratory, while also being a resident species in large parts of Africa.

Identification

• Medium-sized warbler, 13 cm long, with an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts.
• Features a flattened forehead and a strong, pointed bill.
• Song consists of a slow, chattering jit-jit-jit with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry.
• Distinguished from the similar great reed warbler by being smaller in size and having a weaker supercilium.

Habitat

Found almost exclusively in reed beds, usually with some bushes, though they can also be found in damp scrub. Its range includes breeding areas from Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic and resident populations across much of Africa.

Diet

Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will occasionally take plant material such as berries.

Did you know?

The genus name Acrocephalus derives from Ancient Greek, meaning 'highest head,' though it is possible the originators thought the prefix 'akro-' meant 'sharp-pointed'.