Common Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

The Common Reed Warbler is a small, brown bird that loves to sing! It often hides in tall reeds near water and is known for its beautiful, cheerful songs that can be heard during the spring and summer.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Common Reed Warbler has plain brown upperparts and buffy-white underparts, with a short, pale stripe above its eye. It is a small, slender bird with a pointed bill, blending perfectly into its reedy home.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyAcrocephalidaeGenusAcrocephalus

Common Reed Warbler

Interesting facts

Despite their small size, they sing very loudly, especially males defending their territory!

Nests are woven around several reed stems, keeping them super secure from wind!

One tiny Reed Warbler lived over 10 years, an amazing age for such a small bird!

These birds often sleep with one eye open to watch for predators, even while resting!

Special abilities

Common Reed Warbler can expertly weave its nest into tall reeds because of its strong feet, helping it stay hidden and safe.

Common Reed Warbler can imitate many other bird songs, creating a complex tune that helps it attract a mate.

Common Reed Warbler has incredible stamina that helps it migrate thousands of kilometers between continents each year.

Measurements & details

Length: 12.5-14 cm
Wingspan: 17-21 cm
Weight: 0.01-0.015 kg
Lifespan: 2-6 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-5
Incubation: 10-12 days
Migration Distance: 5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny birds mostly munch on insects and spiders found within their reedy homes.

Primary Foods

Flies
Beetles
Moths
Spiders
Larvae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Common Cuckoo

Cuculus canorus

Lays eggs in warbler nests.

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

Hunts adults and fledglings.

eats

Non-biting Midge

Chironomus riparius

A common prey insect.

depends on

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Relies on reeds for nesting and shelter.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.