Eurasian Reed Warbler
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Eurasian Reed Warbler | ||||||||||||||
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Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Hermann, 1804) |
The Eurasian Reed Warbler, or just Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It breeds across Europe into temperate western Asia. It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
This small passerine bird is a species found almost exclusively in reed beds, usually with some bushes. The 3-5 eggs are laid in a basket nest in reeds. The chicks fledge after 10 or 11 days. This species is usually monogamous (Leisler & Wink 2000).
The Reed Warbler is one of the species that are brood parasitised by the Common Cuckoo.
This is a medium-sized warbler, 12.5-14 cm in length. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are richer buff below. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will take other small food items including berries.
The song is a slow, chattering jit-jit-jit with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Acrocephalus scirpaceus. 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
[edit] External links
- Eurasian Reed Warbler videos on the Internet Bird Collection