Savi's Warbler Bird Facts (Locustella luscinioides)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Savi's Warbler is a small, unobtrusive bird with uniform brown upperparts and slightly paler underparts. It has a long, rounded tail and a thin, pointed bill, typical of its genus.

Both sexes look alike in colouring and size and have pale brown to pinkish-brown legs, olive-brown irises and a horn-grey bill. Their throat is not streaked, a characteristic that allows them to be told apart from the very similar River Warbler.

Juveniles appear similar to adults but with a slightly warmer brown plumage. There are no significant seasonal plumage changes in this species.

Size

Length

13cm to 14cm

Wingspan

18cm to 20cm

Weight

12g to 16g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown

Secondary Colour

Buff

Beak Colour

Brown

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Savi's Warbler can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Savi's Warbler is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Savi's Warblers inhabit dense reedbeds, sedge beds, and other wetland vegetation across Europe and western Asia. They prefer areas with standing water and extensive reed growth.

In the UK, they are rare breeding birds (around five pairs per year), found mainly in eastern England, in Kent, Suffolk and Norfolk. During migration, they can be observed more widely across Europe, with wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Mediterranean

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Savi's 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

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Passage

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Algeria Azerbaijan Cameroon Cyprus Denmark Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Ghana Greece Italy Lebanon Libya Mali Malta Mauritania Morocco Nigeria Senegal Sudan Syria Tajikistan Tunisia

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Afghanistan Albania Armenia Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria China Croatia Czech Republic Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Israel Kazakhstan Latvia Lithuania Macedonia Moldova Montenegro Netherlands Palestine Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland The United Kingdom Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

South Sudan

Species that pass through the area during migration

Bahrain Iran Iraq Jordan Kuwait Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Chad Gibraltar Ireland Kenya Luxembourg Norway Oman

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Savi's Warblers display remarkable agility, expertly navigating through dense reedbeds and wetland vegetation. Their ability to climb and move swiftly through tangled plant growth demonstrates high manoeuvrability and dexterity.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As small birds weighing only 12-16 grams, Savi's Warblers possess limited physical strength. Their size and build are adapted for agility rather than power, allowing them to navigate their habitat efficiently.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These warblers show good adaptability, thriving in various wetland habitats across Europe and western Asia. Their ability to adjust to different types of dense vegetation and their long-distance migration habits indicate a strong capacity to adapt to changing environments.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Savi's Warblers are generally not aggressive birds. Males become more conspicuous during breeding season, singing to establish territories, but they are not known for particularly aggressive behaviour. Their secretive nature suggests a more reserved disposition.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of Savi's Warblers is noteworthy, particularly considering their long-distance migration between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Their ability to sing continuously for up to 20 minutes also indicates good stamina. However, as small birds, their overall endurance is limited compared to larger species.

Diet

Savi's Warblers primarily feed on small insects, with mayflies, dragonflies, and damselflies and their larvae, grasshoppers, flies, and beetles among the leading prey. Spiders and some water snails are also eaten.

They forage by climbing through reeds and other vegetation, picking prey from leaves and stems. During migration, they may also consume small berries to supplement their diet.

Behaviour

Savi's Warblers are secretive birds, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation. They are excellent climbers, moving through reeds and tall grasses with agility.

During the breeding season, males become more conspicuous, perching on exposed reed tops to sing and establish territories.

Vocalisation

The song of the Savi's Warbler is its most distinctive feature - a continuous, monotonous reeling or buzzing sound, often lasting for several minutes. It can be described as a high-pitched 'zzzzzzzz', similar to but lower-pitched than the Grasshopper Warbler. The call is a short, sharp 'chik'.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from May to July, with males establishing territories through song. Pairs form shortly after arrival at breeding grounds.

The nest is a deep cup made of reed leaves and other plant material, usually placed low in dense vegetation over water. Females typically lay 4-6 eggs, pale greyish-blue with fine brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 12-15 days, which the female solely does. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 10-14 days but remain dependent on adults for another 2-3 weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Savi's Warblers face threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and changes in water management practices.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and maintaining suitable wetland habitats across their range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

860,000 - 1,460,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Savi's Grasshopper Warbler

Family:

Locustellidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 5 years

Max Lifespan

9.8 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Marsh Harriers, as well as mammals like foxes and weasels that can access their low nests.

Did You Know?

Savi's Warblers can sing continuously for up to 20 minutes without a break.
They are named after the Italian ornithologist Paolo Savi, who first described the species in 1824.
Despite their name, they are more closely related to grasshopper warblers than to typical warblers.

References

1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Locustella luscinioides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22714684A87560838.
View source
3
report, 2011: EBCC/RSPB/BirdLife/Statistics Netherlands
4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source