Reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

The reed warbler is a medium-sized warbler and is associated with the reedbed habitat. It is a summer visitor to the UK, returning to Africa for the winter months. It nests in reedbeds, weaving its nest as a sling between two or three reed stems, and lays three to five eggs in it. Forming monogamous pairs, both parents raise the chicks, bringing them insects to eat. East Anglia and the south coast of England have the largest numbers of reed warblers.

Conservation status

Common. Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).

Details

Did you know? Reed warblers are common victims of brood-parasitism by cuckoos. The female cuckoo lays an egg in the reed warbler nest, leaving it to hatch and be reared by the reed warbler parents. Upon hatching, the cuckoo chick pushes all the other eggs and chicks out of the nest so its foster parents can concentrate solely on bringing it food.

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