The sedge warbler is a small, quite plump, warbler with a striking broad creamy stripe above its eye, and greyish brown legs. It is brown above with blackish streaks and creamy white underneath. It is a summer visitor, and winters in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. Its song is a noisy, rambling warble compared to the more rhythmic song of the reed warbler.
Key ID Features:
A specialist of reed beds, slightly less skulking than Reed Warbler it does afford generous views when perching to sing.
'Scratchy' song is very random and tuneless compared to the rhythmic repetition of Reed Warbler.
When seen the bold white stripe above the eye helps to distinguish it from other reed bed warblers.
Generally brown, lightly streaked upperparts with buff underparts and a pale throat.
Overview
Scientific name: Acrocephalus schoenobaenus.
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Where to see them:
Found across the UK. A good place to try in summer is near a reedbed or a damp wetland, particularly near dawn and dusk when sedge warblers are most active. Look for singing birds perched on the outside of a bush.
Seen in UK:
Mid-April to mid-October.
What they eat
Insects; berries in autumn.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Langford lakes
Photographer: Tim Tapley
