Reed warblers · Perching birds
Common Reed Warbler
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Acrocephalus scirpaceus
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Voice
Song
Noé Ferrari
Song
Noé Ferrari
Song
Noé Ferrari
How to recognize it
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13 cm, sparrow-sized; slim, with a long tail
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Plain brown upperparts, buff-white underparts
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Pale throat, pointed bill, brown legs
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Low, brief "charr", "chirrack"
About the species
The common reed warbler spends much of its time hidden in reed beds, moving through the stems with quick, careful hops. It gives a short, unshowy call — "charr" or "chirrak" — and the song is a chattering run of notes with a few whistles mixed in.
It climbs well among dense growth and builds its nest low in thick vegetation, often close to water. The diet is mostly insects, with spiders, mollusks, larvae, and sometimes berries added.
In Europe it is present from April to October, then moves south for winter. Its main haunts are reed beds and nearby bushes around rivers, lakes, marshes, and ponds.
Where to find
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Along reed-fringed pond edges, canals, and quiet backwaters — listen for a brief chattering call from deep in the stems.
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In willow thickets at overgrown shores — often noticed as it slips between reeds and low branches in the morning calm.
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On wet patches with dense reeds and damp scrub — it may pop up briefly, then vanish back into cover.
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By small waters with thick vegetation right at the edge — the easiest clue is a sharp call coming from the reed wall.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Acrocephalus scirpaceus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Common reed warbler Encyclopedia article