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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAcrocephalus scirpaceus FamilyWarblers and allies (Sylviidae) OverviewThe reed warbler is a plain unstreaked warbler. It is warm brown above and buff coloured underneath. It is a summer visitor to breed in the UK, with the largest concentrations in East Anglia and along the south coast - there are relatively few breeding in Scotland and Ireland. It winters in Africa. Where to see themIn the summer, can be looked for in reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales - it is rarer elsewhere. Sings from within the reedbed rather than from a perch, so often heard rather than seen. When to see themMid-April to early October. What they eatInsects; berries in autumn Estimated numbers
* 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. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
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Reeds blowing in the wind against a stormy sky, RSPB Otmoor reserve, Oxfordshire - RSPB Images - Ben Hall (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_10461_000 )
Reed warbler at nest with chicks - Michael W Richards (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2841068_00002_005)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)