The Australian reed warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus and is the only Acrocephalus species native to Australia. It has also been observed in Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. The name Acrocephalus refers to the peaked crown found on reed warblers in this genus and can be translated to mean "topmost head" in Greek. The species name australis is translated to mean "southern" in Latin, and refers to the species range, Australia. In its western range the Australian reed warbler is also known as "Koordjikotji" in the local Aboriginal language of Perth and its surrounds.
Region
Australia and southern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Widely distributed across Australia wherever suitable wetlands with dense emergent vegetation occur, and extending to southern Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. It favors reedbeds of Phragmites and Typha, sedge swamps, paperbark margins, and vegetated edges of lakes, rivers, and estuaries. In arid regions it is confined to permanent waterbodies with thick cover. It sometimes occupies mangrove fringes and drainage wetlands in urban areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Australian reed warbler is the only Acrocephalus reed warbler native to Australia and also occurs in parts of southern New Guinea. Its genus name refers to the peaked crown typical of reed warblers, and the species name australis means 'southern'. In southwestern Australia it is known as 'Koordjikotji' in local Aboriginal language. It is a secretive bird of reedbeds but has a loud, far-carrying song.
Australian reed warbler perched on reeds
Australian reed warbler building nest
Nest with 4 eggs
Temperament
secretive but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically occurs as solitary individuals or in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories in dense vegetation. Builds a deep cup nest suspended between vertical reed stems, where 2–4 eggs are laid. Both parents feed the chicks, and the species is an occasional host to cuckoo brood parasites. Outside the breeding season it can form loose groups in extensive wetlands.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a loud, rhythmic, and varied warble with scratchy and chattering notes delivered from exposed reed tops or within cover. Phrases are repeated with changes in tempo and pitch, and calls include sharp ticks and churrs.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly darker wings and tail; underparts buff to whitish with a paler throat. Feathers are sleek and plain, giving a clean, uniform look. The crown can appear peaked, especially when singing.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, flies, moths and their larvae, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. It gleans prey from reed stems and leaves, probes into leaf bases, and occasionally sallies to catch flying insects. It may pick small aquatic invertebrates from the water surface and rarely takes seeds or small berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense reedbeds, sedges, and rushes along the margins of freshwater and brackish wetlands. Frequently forages low in vegetation or near the waterline, using cover to remain concealed.
