Moustached Warbler
Acrocephalus melanopogon
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Moustached Warbler is a small, slender bird with distinctive markings. Its upperparts are rich brown, contrasting with a white throat and underparts. The head features a bold black-and-white striped pattern, with a prominent white eyebrow and dark eye-line.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage; the only way to tell the sexes apart is through behaviour, such as courtship and nest-building. Juveniles resemble adults but have a slightly duller overall appearance and less defined facial markings.
Size
Length
12cm to 13cm
Wingspan
15cm to 18cm
Weight
9g to 14g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Moustached Warblers inhabit dense reedbeds and other wetland vegetation around freshwater, brackish marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They are found across southern Europe, parts of North Africa, and extend eastward into Central Asia.
In winter, many European populations move to warmer Mediterranean regions, while some birds in milder areas may be resident year-round. In the UK, they are rare vagrants, occasionally spotted in southern coastal areas.
Sightings of moustached warblers are so scarce in the UK that the species has now been removed from the official list of British birds.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Moustached 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 Moustached Warbler displays impressive agility, adeptly manoeuvring through dense reedbeds and hovering briefly to pluck insects from leaves. Its ability to swim short distances using its wings also demonstrates remarkable dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small, slender bird weighing between 9-14 grams, the Moustached Warbler has limited physical strength. However, it possesses sufficient power for its size to navigate its wetland habitat and defend its territory.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows good adaptability, inhabiting various wetland environments from freshwater to brackish marshes. Its partial migratory behaviour and ability to supplement its diet with berries when necessary further demonstrate its adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, male Moustached Warblers become more assertive during breeding season, defending territories and perching prominently to sing. However, their overall secretive nature suggests a moderate aggression level.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Moustached Warbler's endurance is noteworthy, considering its small size. It undertakes partial migration, forages actively, and can swim if needed. However, its relatively short lifespan of 3-5 years indicates moderate rather than exceptional endurance.
Diet
The Moustached Warbler primarily feeds on small invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and small molluscs. Beetles, damselflies, dragonflies, bugs, insect larvae, wasps and cicadas among the chief prey
It actively forages among reeds and other aquatic vegetation, often picking prey from leaves and stems. During autumn, it may supplement its diet with some small berries, including cherries and elderberries.
Behaviour
Moustached Warblers are secretive birds, often skulking through dense vegetation. They forage by gleaning insects from reeds and other aquatic plants, sometimes hovering briefly to pluck prey from leaves.
During the breeding season, males become more conspicuous, perching atop reeds to sing and defend territories.
Vocalisation
The Moustached Warbler's song is a varied, bubbling warble that begins with a four-note phrase, ‘tu-tu-tu-tu’, often described as more musical than that of other reed warblers. It includes rapid trills and whistles, sometimes mimicking other wetland birds. The call is a sharp 'chack' or a softer 'trrr' when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from April to July, with males establishing territories through song. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season. Nests are built low in dense vegetation, often suspended between reed stems.
The nest is a deep cup made of reed leaves, grass, and plant fibres lined with finer materials. Females typically lay 4-5 eggs, which are pale green or bluish-white with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 14-15 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-15 days but continue to receive parental care for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Moustached Warbler faces threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and changes in water management.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and maintaining suitable wetland habitats, particularly in its breeding range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for movement in dense reedbeds and listen for their distinctive song
- Scan the tops of reeds during the breeding season for singing males
- Pay attention to the bold facial pattern to distinguish from similar reed warblers
- Visit wetland areas with extensive reedbeds for the best chances of spotting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Moustached Reed Warbler
Family:
AcrocephalidaeAverage Lifespan
3 to 5 years
Max Lifespan
11.2 years [4]
Predators
Main predators include marsh harriers, sparrowhawks, and other raptors. Ground predators like foxes and snakes may also prey on nests and fledglings.
Did You Know?
- The Moustached Warbler can swim short distances if necessary, using its wings to propel itself through water.
- Some individuals have been known to practice 'anting', rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly as a form of self-medication.
- Despite its name, the 'moustache' refers to the bird's facial stripes rather than actual whiskers.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Acrocephalus melanopogon. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22714693A131328180.
View source - 3
report, 2006: del Hoyo et al.
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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