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