Bird Guide

Blyth's Reed Warbler vs Sedge Warbler

Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum)

Blyth's Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus dumetorum

Tiny11 gWetland

Blyth's reed warbler is between 12 and 14 cm (4.7 and 5.5 in) in length and weighs between 8 and 16 g (0.28 and 0.56 oz). It is a slim warbler with relatively short wings and a long bill. The plumage is rather plain with few distinguishing features and has been described as lacking in "warmer" tones observed in related species. The upperparts are plain olive brown, with less olive on the short, rounded wings. There is a short whitish supercilium running between the base of the bill and the eye, with a dusky stripe through the eye. The underparts are plain and off-white in colour. Voice: Blyth's reed warbler has a variable song in which harsh sounds like ticks, chaks and churrs are mixed in with melodious whistles and mimicry.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Pascal Christe · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Peter von Bagh · CC BY 2.0
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

Sedge Warbler

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Tiny12 gWetland

This is a medium-sized warbler, 11.5–13 cm (4.5–5.1 in) long and weighing around 12 g (0.42 oz). It has a streaked brown back and wings, and pale underparts. The rump is warm brown and unstreaked, contrasting with the duller wings. The forehead is flattened, the crown is streaked with black, and the bill is strong and pointed. There is a prominent whitish supercilium. The legs are greyish. The plumage of the sexes is identical, although they can be told apart when caught for ringing by the presence of a brood patch or cloacal protuberance. Juvenile birds have dark spots on the breast.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Noé Ferrari · CC BY 4.0
Photo: Billy Lindblom from Hallsberg, Sweden · CC BY 2.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Blyth's Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler.