Sedge Warbler
Least ConcernAcrocephalus schoenobaenus
Visual Identification
Sedge Warbler
Appearance
The Sedge Warbler is a small, brown bird with distinctive markings. Its upperparts are mottled brown with dark streaks, while the underparts are pale buff. A prominent pale eyebrow stripe contrasts with a dark eye-line, giving the bird a striking facial expression.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles appearing slightly more buffy overall. During the breeding season, males may have slightly bolder markings, but the difference is subtle.
Size
Length
11.5cm to 13cm
Wingspan
17cm to 21cm
Weight
10g to 15g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Sedge Warblers inhabit wetland areas with dense vegetation, particularly reedbeds, sedge beds, and marshy areas near water bodies. They are widespread across Europe and western Asia during the breeding season, with a range extending from the UK to central Siberia.
In winter, these birds migrate long distances to sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, they are common summer visitors, arriving in April and departing by October.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Sedge warblers are omnivorous, with insects and invertebrates forming the bulk of their diet for much of the year. Typical prey include larvae, caterpillars, beetles, moths, aphids, flies, beetles and grasshoppers. Slugs, snails, and worms are also eaten.
They forage actively in vegetation, often hanging upside down to glean prey from leaves and stems. During autumn migration, they may also consume berries to build up fat reserves.
Behaviour
Sedge Warblers are known for their energetic and restless behaviour. They often move through dense vegetation with quick, darting movements, making them challenging to spot.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate song flights, ascending into the air before parachuting down with wings held high.
Vocalisation
It is claimed that a male Sedge Warbler never sings the same song twice, relying on a varied and original repertoire of songs to attract a female.
The song is a rapid, chattering warble interspersed with mimicry of other bird species. It often includes harsh, grating notes and trills, creating a complex and varied melody. It's described as a fast 'chit-chit-chit-chit-chrrrr-chit-chit-chewchewchew', often delivered in flight.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to August, with males establishing territories through song. Pairs form shortly after females arrive at breeding grounds. Sedge Warblers are monogamous during the breeding season.
The female constructs a deep, cup-shaped nest low in dense vegetation, often near water. It's made of grass and reeds and lined with finer materials. The clutch typically consists of 4-5 eggs, which are pale brown or greenish-yellow with darker speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-15 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-12 days but continue to receive parental care for another two weeks.
Lifespan
The Sedge Warbler typically lives for 2 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.8 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
While currently listed as Least Concern, Sedge Warblers face threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in their breeding and wintering grounds.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, which are crucial for this species' survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive, chattering song in wetland areas
- Look for movement in dense reeds and sedges
- Watch for their characteristic song flights during the breeding season
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves in spring and summer for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Sedge Warbler
Family:
AcrocephalidaePredators
Main predators include domestic cats, small mammals like weasels and stoats, and birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Kestrels.
Did You Know?
- Sedge Warblers can sing continuously for up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) without pausing.
- They are capable of increasing their body weight by up to 70% before migration.
- Male Sedge Warblers with larger song repertoires are more successful in attracting mates.
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References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22714700A87569807.
View source - 1 4
report, 2015: EBCC