Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis)
Oriental Reed Warbler

Oriental Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus orientalis

The Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis, is a robust passerine bird that graces the eastern Asian landscape. This large warbler measures 18–20 cm in length with a wingspan stretching 23–26 cm. Its plumage is a study in subtlety, with brown upperparts that transition to a paler rump, and the tail feathers are tipped with a modest white. Below, the bird is dressed in whitish hues, with the flanks and undertail-coverts taking on a more earthy brown. A keen observer will note narrow greyish streaks adorning the throat and breast. The bird's face is marked by a dark eyestripe and a contrasting whitish supercilium. Its bill is a sturdy affair, brownish on top and pink below, with a strikingly bright orange gape. Grey feet complete the ensemble.

Identification Tips

When comparing with its relatives, the Oriental reed warbler is slightly smaller and more slender than the great reed warbler, with shorter wings to match. Its tail is more square-ended than that of the clamorous reed warbler, and it boasts a slightly longer primary projection. The bill is a touch shorter and thicker. One can distinguish it from its congeners by the pale tip of its tail.

Habitat

The Oriental reed warbler is a creature of reedbeds, though it is also at home in marshes, paddy fields, grasslands, and scrub. These varied habitats provide ample foraging opportunities for this insectivorous bird.

Distribution

This warbler's breeding grounds span southern Siberia, Mongolia, northern, central, and eastern China, Korea, and Japan. Come winter, it migrates to north-east India and across South-east Asia, reaching as far as the Philippines and Indonesia, with occasional sightings in New Guinea and Australia. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in Israel and Kuwait.

Behaviour

The Oriental reed warbler is known for its small breeding territories and the potential for high population densities. It is an active forager, seeking insects and other invertebrates to sustain itself.

Song & Calls

The warbler's song is a delightful medley of warbling phrases interspersed with guttural, croaking notes, often delivered from a prominent perch. Additionally, it communicates with a loud, harsh "chack" call.

Breeding

Nests are artfully constructed 1–1.5 metres above the ground amidst reed stems. Clutches typically contain two to six eggs, which are incubated for 12 to 14 days. The fledglings take their first flight after 10 to 15 days. Predators such as the Siberian weasel, cats, and snakes from the genus Elaphe pose a threat to the nests.

Similar Species

The Oriental reed warbler can be confused with the great reed warbler and the clamorous reed warbler, but careful observation of its tail, primary projection, and bill size can aid in correct identification.

Diet and Feeding

This warbler's diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates, which it actively seeks out in its diverse habitats.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Oriental reed warbler as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

Oriental Reed Warbler Sounds


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

Oriental Reed Warblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Reed Warblers & Allies

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
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
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!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.