Great reed warbler

The great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) is found in much of Europe and western Asia, although it is absent from Great Britain. It winters in tropical Africa, where it prefers marshes, woodland and savannah, but when breeding further north it is found in reed marshes next to fresh or brackish water.

Appearance

Great reed warblers are about 7.5 inches in length. Males and females are similar in appearance. The upperparts are a warm olive brown but more tawny on the rump. The throat is white, merging into creamy buff underparts.

The legs are pale brownish grey. The bill is long and straight, brown above and pink below. The eyes are yellowish brown.

Behaviour

The great reed warbler has a loud “tack” call, a churring croak, and an alarm chatter. It has a very loud and harsh song that can be heard at a distance.

Great reed warblers are less skulking than other reed warbler breeds as it can be seen perching on bushes and telegraph wires. It flies jerkily with its tail spread, and low over water where it feeds on insects.

Breeding

Breeding is from mid-May onwards, and takes place in social groups in reed beds. The female builds a nest that is a deep cup of sedge leaves suspended between three or four reed stems. The clutch comprises four to six eggs which are incubated by both parent birds for up to 15 days. The nestlings leave the nest after 12 days and fledge four days later. A second brood is sometimes raised.

© John Welford