Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Basra Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus griseldis

The Basra reed warbler, Acrocephalus griseldis, is a member of the warbler genus Acrocephalus, a group known for their melodious songs and affinity for reedy habitats. This particular species is a modestly sized bird, slightly smaller than its cousin, the great reed warbler.

Identification Tips

Upon first glance, one might confuse the Basra reed warbler with the great reed warbler due to their similar appearances. However, upon closer inspection, one will notice that the Basra reed warbler has distinctly whiter underparts. Its bill is also a telling feature—narrower, longer, and more pointed than that of its great reed warbler counterpart.

Habitat

The Basra reed warbler is a bird of the wetlands, favoring extensive beds of papyrus and reeds. It thrives in aquatic vegetation, whether in the midst of shallow, fresh, or brackish waters, and it shows a preference for dense reedbeds.

Distribution

This warbler is an endemic breeder to Southwestern Iran, East and southern Iraq, Kuwait, and Israel. During the winter months, it migrates to East Africa. It is an exceptionally rare sight in Europe, where it is considered a very rare vagrant.

Behaviour

The Basra reed warbler is known to frequent thickets and bushland during its migration or wintering periods. In 2007, it was discovered breeding in northern Israel, indicating a possible expansion or shift in its breeding range.

Song & calls

The call of the Basra reed warbler is a gruff "chaar," distinguishable by its depth, resonating more profoundly than that of a reed warbler.

Conservation status

The species is currently listed as Endangered. The drainage of the Mesopotamian marshes during the 1980s and 1990s, leading to the near destruction of its native habitat, has placed the Basra reed warbler in a precarious position, fighting for survival as its world diminishes around it.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

More Reed Warblers & Allies

A photo of a Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola)

Paddyfield Warbler

Acrocephalus agricola
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.