The black-browed reed warbler is a marsh-warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It was formerly included in the "Old World warbler" assemblage. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1860.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern China and adjacent regions, with passage through Korea and nearby areas. In the non-breeding season it moves to lowland wetlands across Southeast Asia, including parts of southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It favors extensive reedbeds, sedge marshes, wet meadows, and overgrown ditches with dense emergent vegetation. Outside of breeding, it also uses rice paddies and other flooded agricultural habitats where cover is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy marsh-warbler of dense reedbeds, the black-browed reed warbler shows distinctive dark lateral crown stripes that give it a “black-browed” look. It breeds in northeastern East Asia and migrates to warmer Southeast Asian wetlands for the non-breeding season. Like many reed warblers, it sings a lively, scratchy warble from concealed perches. Habitat loss from wetland drainage is a local threat, though the species remains relatively widespread.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Generally solitary and territorial during the breeding season, advertising territory with song from hidden perches within reeds. Builds a suspended cup nest attached to reed or sedge stems close to water. Pairs are typically monogamous for the season, and both adults help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A brisk, scratchy warble with varied rattles, trills, and short whistles delivered in fast sequences. Song is often given from deep cover, with occasional bursts from the tops of reeds at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with paler, buff-washed underparts; crown shows contrasting dark lateral stripes flanking a paler median crown. Feathers are smooth and plain, with minimal streaking on the body and a clean, pale throat.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other invertebrates, including beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from reed stems and leaves and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. During migration and winter it may add small seeds or plant matter opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense emergent vegetation along the margins of marshes, reedbeds, and wet meadows. In winter it often forages in rice paddies, canals, and weedy ditches where cover is thick and water is shallow.
