The RSPB: Marsh warbler

Conservation status: Red

Few people hear this master singer due to its rarity. Similar-looking to the reed warbler, it is whiter below, more olive above and has pale legs. Like other warblers it is highly active, searching its habitat of shrubs and dense vegetation for food. Although thought to have a secure population within Europe, the UK population of marsh warblers has fallen and is now of serious conservation concern.

Overview

Latin name

Acrocephalus palustris

Family

Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)

Where to see them

A summer visitor which is mainly confined to parts of Worcestershire and south-east England, especially Kent. Found in areas of dense vegetation with taller bushes nearby.

When to see them

It is a summer visitor to the UK, arriving on its breeding grounds much later than its close relative, the reed warbler, typically from late May to mid-June.

What they eat

Insects, and occasionally berries in autumn.

Population

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	3-10 pairs	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.