Grasshopper Warbler

Irish Name: Ceolaire casarnaí
Scientific name: Locustella naevia
Bird Family: Warblers
green
Conservation status

Status

Widespread summer visitor to Ireland from April to September.

Identification

Due to its secretive habits, Grasshopper Warblers are rarely seen. About the same size as a Dunnock. Ages and sexes appear largely the same. In general, a rather non-descript beige-brown all over. Has a faint buff-coloured supercilium and white eyering. Has some dark spotting on nape and back, as well as dark centres to wing feathers. The undertail coverts are spotted black. Infrequently, Grasshopper Warblers have a strong yellowish wash to the underparts ("yellow morph").

Voice

Most calls rather infrequently heard. The song (April, May and June) is an odd mechanical reel reminiscent of a fishing line being paid out.

Diet

Grasshopper Warblers feed on insects and other invertebrates.

Breeding

Widespread but nowhere common. Grasshopper Warblers breed in a variety of marginal habitats, such as young conifer plantations, rough farmland and the edges of bogs. Very secretive and its presence is usually only noted when the male is heard singing.

Wintering

Winters in tropical west Africa.

Monitored by

Countryside Bird Survey.

Similar Species

Sedge Warbler

Irish Name:
Ceolaire cíbe
Scientific name:
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Bird Family:
Warblers

Reed Warbler

Irish Name:
Ceolaire giolcaí
Scientific name:
Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Bird Family:
Warblers