Sedge Warbler

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Sedge Warbler
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae Genus: Acrocephalus Species: A. schoenobaenus
Binomial name
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It breeds across Europe and western and central Asia. It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.

This small passerine bird is a species found in reed beds with bushes. 3-5 eggs are laid in a nest in reeds or a bush. Pairs are usually monogamous, but not strictly so (Leisler & Wink 2000).

This is a medium-sized warbler, 11.5-13cm long. The adult has a heavily streaked brown back and pale underparts. The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are streaked on the breast below. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will take other small food items including berries.

The song is a fast, chattering jirra-jirra-jirra punctuated with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry.

[edit] References

• BirdLife International (2004). Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

• Leisler, B. & Wink, Michael (2000): Frequencies of multiple paternity in three Acrocephalus species (Aves: Sylviidae) with different mating systems (A. palustris, A. arundinaceus, A. paludicola). Ethology, Ecology & Evolution 12: 237-249. PDF fulltext