The reed warbler is a plain unstreaked warbler. It is warm brown above and buff coloured underneath. It is a summer visitor to breed in the UK, with the largest concentrations in East Anglia and along the south coast - there are relatively few breeding in Scotland and Ireland. It winters in Africa.
Key ID Features:
Plainer and less streaked than Sedge Warbler and even more restricted to plain reed beds.
Lacks the pale supercilia of Sedge Warbler and is pale beneath with a white throat.
Sloping forehead and longer bill also help separate from Sedge Warbler, as does the rhythmic, scratchy song with repetition of notes before a change of phrase.
Overview
Scientific name: Acrocephalus scirpaceus.
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Where to see them:
In the summer, can be looked for in reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales - it is rarer elsewhere. Sings from within the reedbed rather than from a perch, so often heard rather than seen.
Seen in UK:
Mid-April to early October.
What they eat
Insects; berries in autumn.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
