Reed Warbler

2007 Schools Wikipedia Selection. Related subjects: Birds

iEurasian Reed Warbler
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae Genus: Acrocephalus Species: A. scirpaceus
Binomial name
Acrocephalus scirpaceus ( Hermann, 1804)

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.

Reed warblers are one of the species that are brood paracitised 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.

Image gallery

Cuckoo chick in reed warbler nest. Photo by Per Harald Olsen