Common Reed-warbler

Least Concern

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

With its melodious warble echoing through wetlands worldwide, this small songbird is a master of camouflage in dense reeds.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Common Reed-warbler is a small, slender bird with uniform warm brown upperparts and pale buff underparts. It has a long, pointed brownish-grey bill, a faint pale eyebrow, and a rounded head profile.

There is little difference between males and females. Their legs are dark grey, which helps to distinguish them from the similar Marsh Warbler, which has flesh-coloured legs.

Juveniles are similar to adults but may appear slightly more rufous on the upperparts.

Size

Length

12.5cm to 14cm

Wingspan

17cm to 21cm

Weight

10g to 15g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown

Secondary Colour

Buff White

Beak Colour

Brown

Leg Colour

Brown Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Common Reed-warblers are found across Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. They inhabit dense reed beds, marshes, and other wetland areas with tall vegetation near water bodies.

During the breeding season, they are widespread in Europe, including the UK. In winter, they migrate to sub-Saharan Africa, with some populations travelling as far as South Africa.

Any reedbed environment, even those with just a few simple strands of reeds and rushes, attracts reed warblers in spring and summer, and they can be found in the largest concentrations across southern England, particularly East Anglia and along the south coast. In recent years, breeding has spread to parts of Scotland.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,400 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 30
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 75

Diet

The Common Reed-warbler primarily feeds on insects and their larvae, including flies, beetles, and small moths. They forage by gleaning prey from reeds and other vegetation, often hanging upside down or sideways to reach food items.

In autumn, their diet may occasionally include berries, including currants, elder, cherry and dogwood. Termites, aphids, and mosquitoes are eaten on wintering grounds.

Behaviour

Common Reed-warblers are agile and active birds, often seen climbing and hopping through dense reed beds.

They are generally secretive but become more visible during the breeding season when males sing from exposed perches. These birds are typically solitary outside the breeding season.

Vocalisation

The Common Reed-warbler's song is a distinctive, rhythmic series of harsh, chattering notes interspersed with mimicry of other bird species. It often includes a repeated 'chrrr-chrrr-chrrr' sound.

The song can be heard day and night during the breeding season, helping to identify these otherwise elusive birds.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from May to August. During this time, males establish territories and attract females through song. Pairs are monogamous.

Nests are deep cups woven between reed stems or other vertical plants, usually over water. Females lay 3-5 pale green eggs with dark speckles.

Incubation lasts about 11-12 days, and the female primarily incubates the chicks. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 10-12 days but continue to receive parental care for another 1-2 weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 3 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 16.9 years [1]
0
5
9
14
19

years

The Common Reed-warbler typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 16.9 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

While the Common Reed-warbler is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and changes in water management practices.

Climate change may also affect its breeding and wintering grounds, potentially impacting population numbers in the future.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

12,100,000 - 22,200,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for their distinctive song in reed beds during spring and summer
  • Look for movement in dense vegetation near water bodies
  • Observe early morning or late evening when they are most active
  • In the UK, visit wetland reserves from April to September for the best chances of spotting them

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eurasian Reed-warbler

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Hobbies, as well as mammals like weasels and rats that can access nests in reed beds.

Did You Know?

  1. Common Reed-warblers can mimic the calls of up to 40 other bird species.
  2. They can suspend their nests between reed stems, adjusting them as water levels change.
  3. These birds can fly non-stop for up to 500 km (310 miles) during migration.

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References

  1. 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Acrocephalus scirpaceus (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22714722A155436305.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2015: EBCC

  3. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source