Warbler - South Africa (1 Viewer)

Hi all

I recently photographed this warbler at the edge of a large reedbed without any stretches of open water in Pretoria, South Africa. It seems to have the general looks of an acrocephalus warbler, and the heavy bill seems to fit Great Reed Warbler (The smaller reed warblers and Lesser Swamp-Warbler have more slender bills, and Lesser Swamp-Warbler also prefers reedbeds with deeper, open water). However, I don't feel that this bird fits Great Reed Warbler exactly in terms of giss - with it looking rather "baby-faced" with a stubbier bill. It was difficult to judge the bird's size, but my initial impression of it being about the size of a Ploceus weaver made me instantly jump to the conclusion of GRW, although it didn't appear huge and they tend to be a little bigger than a weaver I think. In the last photo I think that I can just make out a rather long primary projection. It would be great to hear any other opinions. Thanks!

Kind regards
Keanu

I think I'd plump for Lesser Swamp Warbler?



A

Hi all,
Kean more than one race of GRW. occurs in Africa. The colours tend to veer towards extreme rufescent in some photos but the thrush like, deep base to the bill indicates, great reed warbler. The really stout legs and over large feet are also a good indicator. In the flight shot #2, the extra long primary projection of GRW. is evident. Not sure why #4 appears so rufous like in a swamp warbler!