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Common Reed Warbler - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 23:18, 25 March 2016 by Deliatodd-18346 (talk | contribs) (Picture of juvenile. References updated)
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Photo by Ragna
Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk, July 2003
Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Identification

12.5cm (5 in)
Brown with a rusty tinge. Paler underparts with a whitish throat. Thin brownish bill. Legs dark brown.
Juvenile is very similar to the adult but rather brighter with tawny-orange tints to upperparts. Legs flesh-coloured.

Similar Species

Marsh Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, African Reed Warbler

Distribution

Europe,western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. A non-migratory population in Morocco is currently referred to this species.

Juvenile
Photo by Xmor
Llyn Coed Y Dinas, Welshpool, Wales, July 2015

Taxonomy

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized[1]:

  • A. s. scirpaceus:
  • North-western Africa and Europe to Crimea and Volga River; winters in westerm and central Africa
  • A. s. fuscus:

Habitat

Reedbeds and some bushes.

Behaviour

Diet

The diet includes mainly insects, though some berries are taken.

Breeding

Photo by Qingcol
Amble, Cornwall, June 2008

Monogamous.
It builds a basket like nest in reeds. The clutch consists of 3-5 eggs, which are pale greenish-white with dark specks or splotches. The young fledge after 10 or 11 days.

It is brood parasitised by the Common Cuckoo.

Vocalisation

<flashmp3>Acrocephalus scirpaceus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
Thread with links to both Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler songs for comparison

References

  1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
  2. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
  3. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
  4. Birdforum thread discussing Moroccan Reed Warblers
  5. The Observers Book of Birds' Eggs
  6. Wikipedia

Recommended Citation

External Links

Reed Warbler Identification Thread


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