The Henderson reed warbler, also known as the Henderson reed-warbler or the Henderson Island reed warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It is found only on Henderson Island, part of the Pitcairn Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
South Pacific (Pitcairn Islands)
Typical Environment
Confined to the uplifted coral limestone of Henderson Island, where it occupies subtropical/tropical dry forest and dense scrub. It uses thickets, forest edges, and interior woodland dominated by shrubs and small trees. The species forages from near ground level up into mid-canopy, especially in tangled vegetation. Absence of large terrestrial predators historically allowed it to nest low in shrubs and small trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 33 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This insular reed-warbler is found only on Henderson Island in the Pitcairn group and has adapted to dry scrub and forest rather than true reedbeds. It forages methodically through foliage for insects and is an important insect predator in the island’s ecosystem. Its extremely restricted range makes it vulnerable to habitat change and introduced predators.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between patches of cover
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, defending territories during the breeding season. Pairs build compact cup nests in dense shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small and both parents participate in care. Outside breeding, it remains dispersed rather than forming large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A scratchy, varied warble of chattering notes and whistles delivered from concealed perches. Phrases are repeated irregularly with brief pauses, and call notes include sharp tacks and soft churrs.
Plumage
Plain, warm brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a slightly paler throat; feathers appear smooth and unpatterned with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and flies. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch flying insects. Foraging is methodical, moving through dense foliage. It may take small berries opportunistically but remains largely insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense scrub, thickets, and the lower to mid-levels of dry forest. Often forages along forest edges and in mixed shrub layers where insect activity is high.
