Blyth's reed warbler is a species of reed warbler belonging to the family Acrocephalidae, which also includes the tree warblers. Blyth's reed warbler breeds across the Palearctic zoogeographical region and winters in South Asia. The species has been expanding its range westwards in Europe.
Region
Palearctic and South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern Europe through western Siberia and Central Asia in shrubby wetlands, riverine thickets, and edges of reedbeds. It winters across South Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, using gardens, hedgerows, and lightly wooded areas near water. During migration it occurs in a wide variety of brushy habitats, often in low, dense cover. It adapts well to secondary growth and agricultural margins with suitable shrub layers.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blyth's reed warbler is a small, skulking warbler named after the British zoologist Edward Blyth. It often favors scrub and willow/birch thickets more than dense reedbeds despite its name. The song is a fast, chattering warble with repeated phrases and some mimicry, which helps distinguish it from similar reed and marsh warblers. Its breeding range has expanded westwards in Europe in recent decades.
At New Alipore in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, where it nests low in shrubs or tall herbaceous vegetation. The nest is a neat cup suspended among stems. In winter it remains largely solitary but may forage loosely near other small passerines. Territorial singing males defend small patches of dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A fast, chattering warble with repeated phrases, dry rattles, and squeaky notes, delivered from concealed perches. Includes some mimicry of other species but is less exuberant and more repetitive than the marsh warbler. Often sings persistently at dawn and dusk.
