Bird Guide

Great Reed Warbler vs Marsh Warbler

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

Great Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Small30 gWetland

The thrush-sized warbler is one of the largest species in both its current the family Acrocephalidae, and its former family, the "Sylviidae". It measures 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in) in length, 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) in wingspan and weighs 22 to 38 g (0.78 to 1.34 oz). The adult has unstreaked brown upperparts and dull buffish-white chin and underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. It looks very much like a giant common reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), but with a stronger supercilium.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Jordi Casanovas · CC BY 4.0
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

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