Reed Warbler

From The UCSC Wikipedia Trust Project

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).

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.

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

References

Template:IUCN2006 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. PDF fulltext