Bird Guide

Common Reed Warbler vs Marsh Warbler

Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Common Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Tiny12 gWetland

This is a medium-sized warbler, 13 cm (5.1 in) in length with a wing-span of 17–21 cm (6.7–8.3 in). The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are richer buff below. The common reed warbler looks similar to the great reed warbler, but the great reed warbler is larger in size and has a stronger supercilium. The song is a slow, chattering jit-jit-jit with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Noé Ferrari · CC BY 4.0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0
Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris)

Marsh Warbler

Acrocephalus palustris

Tiny12 gShrubland

This is a medium-sized warbler. It is very similar in appearance to several other acrocephaline warblers, such as the reed warbler which also occurs in wetlands and has a similar breeding range. The male's distinctive song is useful for identification, as no other member of the genus mimics other birds to any significant extent. The marsh warbler also tends to avoid the stands of pure reed which are the reed warbler's favoured habitat. The sexes are alike in appearance. Hybridisation with both reed warbler and Blyth's reed warbler has been occasionally recorded.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Аимаина хикари · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Common Reed Warbler and Marsh Warbler.