The Cape Verde warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It is also known as the Cape Verde cane warbler or Cape Verde swamp warbler, and in Creole as tchota-de-cana or chincherote. It breeds on Santiago, Fogo, and São Nicolau in the Cape Verde Islands. It previously bred on Brava. This species is found in well-vegetated valleys, avoiding drier areas. It nests in reedbeds, two to three eggs being laid in a suspended nest.
Region
Cape Verde Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs on Santiago, Fogo, and São Nicolau, with historical records from Brava. It inhabits humid, well-vegetated valleys, reedbeds, riparian thickets, and sugarcane or Phragmites stands. The species avoids dry, open scrub and concentrates around perennial or seasonal freshwater. It tolerates some agricultural landscapes where dense cover and water persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cape Verde cane warbler or swamp warbler, this species is confined to a few islands in the Cape Verde archipelago. It favors lush, well-vegetated valleys (ribeiras) and reedbeds within otherwise arid landscapes. Its suspended nest is usually woven in reeds or cane, and clutches typically contain two to three eggs. Conservation depends on protecting freshwater valleys and controlling habitat degradation.
Acrocephalus brevipennis - MHNT
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, remaining low in dense vegetation. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend linear territories along wet valleys. The nest is a suspended cup in reeds or cane, with both adults participating in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, chattering series of scratchy notes and whistles delivered from cover or a low perch. The song is repetitive and rhythmic, often interspersed with harsh scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a slightly paler, buffy underside and diffuse streaking; texture sleek and smooth. A faint pale supercilium contrasts subtly with the darker ear coverts. Tail is rounded and the bill is relatively long and fine.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. Prey is gleaned from reed stems, leaves, and low shrubs, and occasionally snatched in short sallies. It may take small fruits or seeds opportunistically but remains predominantly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense reedbeds, cane stands, riparian thickets, and vegetated irrigation channels. Often keeps close to water and shaded undergrowth where insects are abundant.
