Aquatic Warbler
Acrocephalus paludicola
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Aquatic Warbler is a small, slender bird with distinctive streaked plumage. Its upperparts are brown with bold black streaks, while the underparts are pale yellow. A prominent pale stripe above the eye contrasts with darker streaks on the crown.
Both sexes look similar, although males have slightly longer wings than females and are marginally heavier. Juveniles appear slightly duller. During the breeding season, adults may show more vibrant yellow tones on their underparts.
Size
Length
12cm to 13cm
Wingspan
17cm to 19cm
Weight
10g to 13g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Yellow
Secondary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Aquatic Warblers inhabit low-lying wetlands, particularly sedge meadows and fen mires. They require specific habitat conditions with a mix of sedges, reeds, and shallow water.
Breeding populations are now largely confined to Eastern Europe, particularly Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland. During migration, they can be spotted in wetlands across Western Europe, including occasional sightings in the UK.
Cornwall and Devon are particularly popular spots, with Marazion Marsh, Cornwall and Radipole Lake, and Lodmoor in Dorset reporting visiting birds each year.
Elevation Range
Up to 653 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Aquatic Warbler. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Aquatic Warbler demonstrates remarkable agility, moving nimbly through dense vegetation and climbing vertically up reed stems. Their spectacular song flights, involving ascending high into the air and parachuting down, further showcase their impressive aerial manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small songbird weighing only 10-13 grams, the Aquatic Warbler possesses limited strength relative to larger birds. However, their ability to navigate through dense wetland vegetation suggests a degree of strength appropriate for their size and lifestyle.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Whilst specialised for specific wetland habitats, Aquatic Warblers show adaptability in their long-distance migrations, traversing up to 6,000 km annually. Their ability to forage on various small invertebrates and occasionally consume plant material also indicates a level of dietary flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Aquatic Warblers are generally described as secretive and shy, easily disturbed by human presence. However, males display some aggressive tendencies during breeding season through territorial behaviour and competitive mating strategies, albeit not to an extreme degree.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Aquatic Warbler's long-distance migratory behaviour, covering up to 6,000 km annually, demonstrates considerable endurance. Their persistent singing during breeding season, especially in flight displays, further suggests a high level of stamina for their size.
Diet
Aquatic Warblers are insectivores, with caterpillars, dragonflies, spiders, larvae, grasshoppers, earwigs, and water snails being the main elements of their diet.
They are mainly ground foragers, finding insects in sedges and marsh close to the nest when breeding. In late summer, their diet may be supplemented with small berries.
Behaviour
Aquatic Warblers are secretive and often difficult to spot. They move nimbly through dense vegetation, climbing vertically up reed stems to forage.
During the breeding season, males perform spectacular song flights, ascending high into the air before parachuting down with spread wings and tail.
Vocalisation
The Aquatic Warbler's song is a rapid, buzzing trill that rises and falls in pitch, often described as 'zizizizizizi-zeezeezeezee'.
During the breeding season, males sing persistently from perches and during flight displays, creating a distinctive soundscape in their wetland habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to July. Males establish territories and attract females with elaborate song flights and displays.
Nests are built low in dense vegetation, usually sedges or reeds. The cup-shaped nest is constructed of plant material and lined with fine grasses. Females typically lay 4-5 eggs, which are pale with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-15 days. Pairs may attempt a second brood if conditions are favourable.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Aquatic Warbler faces severe habitat loss due to wetlands drainage and changes in land use. International conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring suitable breeding habitats, particularly in Eastern Europe, where most of the population now breeds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Look for movement in dense reedbeds and sedges
- Visit known breeding sites from May to July
- Be patient and quiet; these birds are shy and easily disturbed
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Aquatic Warblers can travel up to 6,000 km (around 3,700 miles) during their annual migration.
- They are one of the few bird species that practice 'promiscuous' mating, where both males and females mate with multiple partners.
- Despite their name, they spend most of their time in vegetation above water rather than in it.
Similar Birds
References
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website: BirdLife International. 2022. Acrocephalus paludicola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22714696A176687364.
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