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

Eurasian Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

The Common Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, is a medium-sized warbler measuring approximately 13 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 17 to 21 cm. It exhibits an unstreaked brown back with buff underparts. Both sexes are identical in appearance, which is typical for warblers. Juveniles can be distinguished by their richer buff underparts. The species is characterized by a flattened forehead and a robust, pointed bill.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Common Reed Warbler, look for its brown, unstreaked back and buff underparts. The bird's supercilium is less pronounced than that of the larger Great Reed Warbler. In flight, observe the wing-span and listen for its distinctive song.

Habitat

This species is almost exclusively found in reed beds, often with interspersed bushes, providing it with the necessary cover and nesting sites.

Distribution

The Common Reed Warbler breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic and is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a resident species in large parts of Africa.

Behaviour

Males typically arrive at breeding grounds a few weeks before females. The species is generally monogamous, with pairs raising up to two broods per season. It is known to be brood parasitized by the Common Cuckoo.

Song & Calls

The song of the Common Reed Warbler is a distinctive slow, chattering "jit-jit-jit" with acrocephaline whistles and mimicry.

Breeding

Nests are built by the female over water, often in reeds, and are deep cylindrical cups. Clutches usually contain three to five pale green eggs with olive or grey speckles. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 9-12 days. Fledglings leave the nest after 10-12 days but are fed by parents for an additional 10-14 days.

Similar Species

The Great Reed Warbler is similar in appearance but is larger and has a more pronounced supercilium.

Diet and Feeding

The Common Reed Warbler is primarily insectivorous but may occasionally consume plant material such as berries.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Common Reed Warbler as Least Concern, indicating a stable population.

Eurasian 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.

Eurasian Reed Warblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

Similar species

A photo of a Whitethroat (Curruca communis) , male

Whitethroat

Curruca communis

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
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
Emma L
App got me interested in birding!
Super friendly community <3 This app got me interested in birding! It teaches me cool stuff and its super friendly, and fun :) The species guide is really developing my knowledge, and i love seeing cool new birds from round the world!
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
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 😁
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.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
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.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.