The clamorous reed warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It breeds from Egypt eastwards through Pakistan, Afghanistan and northernmost India to south China and southeast Asia. A. s. meridionalis is an endemic race in Sri Lanka.
Region
North Africa to South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds and resides in extensive reedbeds along lakes, marshes, slow rivers, irrigation canals, and wetlands with tall emergent vegetation. It is closely tied to Phragmites and Typha stands but also uses riparian thickets and, locally, mangroves. In drier regions it follows watercourses and oases. Outside the breeding season it remains near wetlands, occasionally dispersing to coastal and flooded agricultural areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The clamorous reed warbler is a large, loud-voiced Acrocephalus that favors dense reedbeds near freshwater. Its powerful, repetitive song carries far across marshes and helps males defend territories. Some populations are resident while others move short to medium distances after breeding. A Sri Lankan subspecies (A. s. meridionalis) is endemic to that island.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that hold and defend linear territories within reedbeds. Nests are deep, woven cups suspended between vertical reed stems, often over water to deter predators. Both sexes participate in nest building and provisioning of chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Very loud, repetitive, and harsh series of churring phrases, grating notes, and brief mimicked elements delivered from exposed reed tops or within cover. Song often continues for long bouts, especially at dawn and dusk.
