# 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. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Common Reed Warbler](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Eurasian_Reed_Warbler.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ron Knight, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eurasian_Reed_Warbler.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Acrocephalidae - **Genus:** Acrocephalus ## 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 - **Reed Weaver:** Common Reed Warbler can expertly weave its nest into tall reeds because of its strong feet, helping it stay hidden and safe. - **Mimic Master:** Common Reed Warbler can imitate many other bird songs, creating a complex tune that helps it attract a mate. - **Long-Haul Flier:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-sparrowhawk) (*Accipiter nisus*) — Hunts adults and fledglings. - **Eats:** Non-biting Midge (*Chironomus riparius*) — A common prey insect. - **Depends on:** [Common Reed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-reed) (*Phragmites australis*) — Relies on reeds for nesting and shelter. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and be quiet so you don't scare them away! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Common Reed Warbler? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Common Reed Warbler? 12.5-14 cm ### What is Common Reed Warbler's wingspan? 17-21 cm ### How much does Common Reed Warbler weigh? 0.01-0.015 kg ### How long does Common Reed Warbler live? 2-6 years ### How fast can Common Reed Warbler move? 35 km/h ### What does Common Reed Warbler eat? These tiny birds mostly munch on insects and spiders found within their reedy homes. ### Where is Common Reed Warbler usually found? Wetlands ## Where to spot - [Naturpark Sternberger Seenland](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sternberger-seenland-nature-park) — Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, DE · Park - [Park Babelsberg, Potsdam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/park-babelsberg-potsdam) — Brandenburg, DE · Park - [La Bassée National Nature Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/la-bassee-national-nature-reserve) — Île-de-France, FR · Park - [Las Llamas Atlantic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/las-llamas-atlantic-park) — Cantabria, ES · Park - [Marais de Lavours National Nature Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marais-de-lavours-national-nature-reserve) — Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FR · Park - [Avesnois Regional Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/avesnois-regional-nature-park) — Hauts-de-France, FR · Park [View all places to see Common Reed Warbler](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/common-reed-warbler) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Common Reed Warbler: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-reed-warbler)