The Basra reed warbler is a "warbler" of the genus Acrocephalus. It is a near-endemic breeder in the Tigris–Euphrates river system in southwestern Iran, eastern and southern Iraq, and Kuwait, though it has also recently colonised wetlands in Israel. It breeds in extensive beds of papyrus and reeds. It is easily mistaken for the great reed warbler but is a bit smaller, has whiter underparts and has a narrower, longer and more pointed bill. It is migratory, wintering in East Africa. It is a very rare vagrant in Europe. The call is a gruff chaar, deeper than that of a common reed warbler.
Region
Middle East and East Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in extensive reed and papyrus beds of the Tigris–Euphrates river system in southern Iraq, southwestern Iran, and Kuwait, with small breeding sites in Israel. During migration it follows wetland corridors through the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. In winter it occupies East African wetlands, including reed-fringed lakes, river floodplains, and coastal marshes. It favors dense emergent vegetation such as common reed and papyrus, keeping low and close to water. Habitat integrity and water levels strongly influence its presence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Basra reed warbler breeds almost exclusively in the Tigris–Euphrates marshes and nearby reedbeds, especially around Basra. It is often mistaken for the great reed warbler but is smaller with whiter underparts and a longer, narrower bill. It migrates to East Africa for the non-breeding season, using dense wetland vegetation for cover. Ongoing wetland drainage and habitat alteration are its primary threats.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during breeding, nesting deep within reedbeds in a suspended cup nest attached to vertical stems. Territorial males sing from concealed perches within dense vegetation. Outside the breeding season it may associate loosely with other reed-dwelling warblers in feeding flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a rich, varied warble delivered from cover, with imitations and scratchy phrases. The call is a gruff chaar, deeper than that of a common reed warbler, and often given when alarmed.
