Thick-billed Warbler

Overview

The thick-billed warbler is a large passerine bird found in the temperate east Palearctic, ranging from south Siberia to west Mongolia. It is migratory, wintering in tropical South Asia and South-east Asia, and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• At 16–17.5 cm long, it is nearly as big as the great reed warbler.
• Adults have an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts, with few obvious distinctive plumage features; young birds are richer buff below.
• The forehead is rounded, and the bill is short and pointed.
• The song is fast and loud, resembling that of the marsh warbler but with much mimicry and acrocephaline whistles.

Habitat

This species inhabits dense vegetation such as reeds, bushes, and thick undergrowth. It breeds in the temperate east Palearctic and is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.

Diet

Like most warblers, it is insectivorous but will also take other small prey items.

Did you know?

The scientific name Arundinax aedon combines Latin arundo (reed) and Greek anax (master) with aedon, a reference to Queen Aëdon from Greek mythology who was turned into a nightingale after killing her own son.