Acrocephalus scirpaceus
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.
Length
12.5cm to 14cm
Wingspan
17cm to 21cm
Weight
10g to 15g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Buff White
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,400 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Reed-warbler. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you: