The lesser swamp warbler or Cape reed warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It is a resident breeder in Africa from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Chad and Ethiopia south to South Africa. This is a common species of reedbeds in standing water.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad east to Ethiopia and south through Zambia and Tanzania to South Africa. It favors reedbeds of Phragmites and Typha, papyrus fringes, and marshy margins of lakes, dams, and slow-flowing rivers. The species also uses artificial wetlands such as irrigation ponds and sewage works if dense emergent cover is present. It generally avoids dry grasslands away from standing water and prefers dense stands for nesting and foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Cape reed warbler, this small Old World warbler is adapted to dense emergent vegetation in wetlands. It weaves a neat, suspended cup nest between reed stems over standing water. Pairs defend small territories and often sing from exposed reed tops despite otherwise skulking habits.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, holding small territories within extensive reedbeds. Monogamous pairs build a suspended cup nest woven between vertical stems over water. Both parents incubate and feed the young, and they may raise more than one brood if conditions allow.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A brisk, chattering warble with scratchy phrases and repeated rattling notes, delivered from reed tops or hidden perches. Contact calls are sharp tcks and scolds when disturbed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly rufous tones, paler buff underparts, and a whitish throat. Subtle pale supercilium and plain face; wings and tail concolorous brown. Feathers are smooth and sleek, aiding movement through dense reeds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from reed stems and leaves, probes into leaf sheaths, and occasionally snatches insects in short sallies. It may take small aquatic invertebrates near the water surface.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense stands of reeds, sedges, and papyrus, often just above the waterline. Frequently works along edges of channels and pools where emergent vegetation is thick. Uses both natural marshes and human-made wetlands.
