The 'Eurasian Reed Warbler', or just 'Reed Warbler', ''Acrocephalus scirpaceus'', is an
Old World warbler in the genus ''
Acrocephalus''. It breeds across
Europe into temperate western
Asia. It is
migratory, wintering in sub-
Saharan
Africa.
This small
passerine bird is a species found almost exclusively in
reedbeds, usually with some bushes. The 3-5
eggs are laid in a basket nest in
reeds. The chicks fledge after 10 or 11 days. This species is usually
monogamous (Leisler & Wink 2000).
The Reed Warbler is one of the species that are
brood parasitised by the
Common Cuckoo.
This is a medium-sized warbler, 12.5-14cm in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are richer buff below. Like most warblers, it is
insectivorous, but will take other small food items including
berries.
The song is a slow, chattering ''jit-jit-jit'' with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added.
References
★ Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
★ 'Leisler', B. & 'Wink', Michael (2000): Frequencies of multiple paternity in three ''Acrocephalus'' species (Aves: Sylviidae) with different mating systems (''A. palustris, A. arundinaceus, A. paludicola''). ''Ethology, Ecology & Evolution'' '12': 237-249.
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External links
★
Eurasian Reed Warbler videos on the Internet Bird Collection