Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a River Warbler (Locustella fluviatilis)
River Warbler

River Warbler

Locustella fluviatilis

The River Warbler, scientifically known as Locustella fluviatilis, is a member of the Old World warbler family. This species is distinguished by its grey-brown back, which is devoid of streaks, and its whitish grey underparts. The undertail is darker, adorned with white feather tips that create a distinctive pattern. Both sexes appear identical, a common trait among warblers, while juveniles exhibit a more yellowish hue below.

Identification Tips

Adult River Warblers can be identified by their unstreaked grey-brown backs and whitish grey underparts. The contrasting white-tipped feathers on the darker undertail are key identification markers. During the breeding season, males and females are indistinguishable, but juveniles may present a yellower underside. Some individuals may show less dark marking on the undertail coverts, resembling Savi's Warbler, yet they retain a streaked breast and more olive upperparts.

Habitat

The River Warbler is typically found in dense deciduous vegetation near water sources such as bogs or rivers.

Distribution

This species breeds in eastern and central Europe, extending into the western Palearctic. It is a migratory bird, wintering in southern Africa, from the Zambezi River to the vicinity of Pretoria.

Behaviour

The River Warbler is known for its skulking behavior, making it quite elusive and difficult to observe. It tends to creep through grass and low foliage, often remaining hidden from sight.

Song & Calls

The River Warbler's song is a monotonous, mechanical, insect-like reeling, reminiscent of a sewing machine. This song, often performed at dusk, can continue for extended periods and is similar to other species in its genus.

Breeding

The breeding habits of the River Warbler include laying five to seven eggs in a nest situated in a tussock or on the ground, close to water.

Similar Species

The River Warbler may be confused with Savi's Warbler, especially when displaying reduced dark markings on the undertail coverts. However, the typical River Warbler has a streaked breast and more olive-toned upperparts.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the River Warbler feeds on a variety of insects.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the River Warbler as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.

River 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.

River Warblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Grassbirds & 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
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
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.
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
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.
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!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.