Reed Warbler
| Irish Name: | Ceolaire giolcaí |
| Scientific name: | Acrocephalus scirpaceus |
| Bird Family: | Warblers |
green
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Summer visitor to large reedbeds in southern and eastern Ireland from late April to September.
Identification
A typical small warbler, about the same size as a Robin. Ages and sexes appear virtually similar. A rather non-descript bird, being a pale brown colour all-over, with the undersides slightly paler. Has a very faint supercilium. Blends in well in preferred habitat of dense reedbeds and difficult to see when not singing.
Voice
The main call is a quiet “check”. The song is similar to that of the Sedge Warbler, but is not as excited and variable. A typical phrase would be: “tru-tru-tru-swee-swee-tiri-tiri-tiri”. The song will usually be delivered while perched on the top of a reed.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on insects and other invertebrates.
Breeding
Reed Warblers breed in large areas of reedbeds in south and east of Ireland.
Wintering
Winters in central and southern Africa.
Monitored by
Widespread on passage but rare summer visitor to Ireland. Often residing at the ponds near the harbour in Arklow, Co. Wicklow and Tacumshin Lake in County Wexford.
Over Winters in tropical Africa.
