Marsh Warbler
Acrocephalus palustris
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Marsh Warbler is a small, slender bird with brownish-buff plumage. Its underside is slightly paler and more of a yellowish cream. The eyebrows have a faint pale stripe, and its long, pointed bill is ideal for catching insects.
Males and females are visually indistinguishable. Both have pink legs, dark brown eyes, and a light grey bill.
Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have a slightly bronze or yellower tinge to their plumage, particularly on the underparts, and their legs are slightly darker.
Size
Length
12.5cm to 14cm
Wingspan
17cm to 21cm
Weight
10g to 15g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Marsh Warblers breed across much of Europe and western Asia, favouring damp areas with tall vegetation such as nettles, meadowsweet, and willowherb. They are often found near water bodies but not exclusively in wetlands.
These birds are long-distance migrants, wintering in southeastern Africa. In the UK, they are rare breeders, with small populations in southern England and occasional sightings during migration.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Marsh 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 Marsh Warbler demonstrates high agility, being described as an agile climber that moves swiftly through reeds and tall grasses. Its ability to navigate dense vegetation and perform short aerial pursuits for insects indicates excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing only 10-15 grams, the Marsh Warbler has limited physical strength. Its slender build and adaptation for agile movement rather than power suggest relatively low strength compared to many other bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Marsh Warbler shows remarkable adaptability. It can thrive in various habitats with suitable vegetation, not just marshes. Its ability to memorise and mimic calls from both breeding and wintering grounds, along with its complex song repertoire, indicates high cognitive adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While males become more conspicuous during breeding season, Marsh Warblers are generally described as secretive and skulking. There's no mention of territorial aggression or confrontational behaviour, suggesting a relatively low aggression level.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
As a long-distance migrant travelling between Europe and southeastern Africa, the Marsh Warbler demonstrates considerable endurance. Its ability to undertake such extensive journeys, coupled with its late arrival on breeding grounds, indicates strong stamina and resilience.
Diet
Marsh Warblers primarily feed on insects and their larvae, including flies, beetles, and small moths. Snails, larvae, caterpillars and spiders are common prey.
They forage by gleaning prey from vegetation, occasionally catching flying insects in short aerial pursuits. During migration, they may supplement their diet with small berries.
Behaviour
Marsh Warblers are known for their secretive nature, often skulking in dense vegetation. They are agile climbers, moving swiftly through reeds and tall grasses.
During the breeding season, males become more conspicuous, perching prominently to deliver their complex songs.
Vocalisation
The Marsh Warbler's song is renowned for its complexity and mimicry. It incorporates imitations of up to 80 different bird species, both from its breeding grounds and wintering areas.
The song is a rapid, varied warble, often described as more melodious than that of the closely related Reed Warbler.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from late May to July. Males attract females with elaborate songs that mimic other bird species and even frogs or insects. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, raising one brood together.
Nests are deep cups constructed of grass and plant stems, typically placed low in dense vegetation. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish-white with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-13 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 10-12 days but continue to receive parental care for another 1-2 weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Marsh Warblers face threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and changes in agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable wetland and grassland habitats across their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive, mimicking song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Look for movement in dense vegetation near water bodies
- Visit suitable habitats during the breeding season (late May to July) for the best chance of sightings
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds can be elusive
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Marsh Warblers can memorise and mimic the calls of birds from their African wintering grounds.
- They are one of the latest spring migrants to arrive in Europe, often not reaching breeding grounds until June.
- Despite their name, they are not strictly tied to marshes and can thrive in various habitats with suitable vegetation.
FAQs
Do Marsh Warblers flock?
Marsh warblers gather into mixed-species flocks during migration and spend time on their wintering grounds closely associating with other warblers and similar-sized songbirds.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Acrocephalus palustris (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22714741A155434933.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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