The Pitcairn reed warbler is a songbird in the genus Acrocephalus. Formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage (Sylviidae), it is now in the newly recognized marsh-warbler family Acrocephalidae.
Region
South Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Restricted to Pitcairn Island, it occupies dense scrub, secondary woodland, and mixed native–introduced vegetation. It is frequently found in banana patches, hibiscus thickets, and around homesteads and gardens. Nesting occurs in shrubs and small trees, and the species uses edge habitats and regenerating forest. It tolerates disturbed areas provided there is dense cover and ample invertebrate prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 350 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pitcairn reed warbler is the only landbird endemic to Pitcairn Island and belongs to the marsh-warbler family Acrocephalidae. It adapts well to thickets, plantations, and village gardens, often foraging close to people. Small population size and invasive predators have made it conservation-sensitive, and habitat management is important for its persistence.
Temperament
curious but territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining and defending small territories year-round. Pairs are monogamous, building cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, scratchy warble with churring notes and rapid trills delivered from exposed perches or within cover. Calls include sharp scolds and soft contact chips, with the song often accelerating into buzzy phrases.
Plumage
Plain brown-olive above with warmer tones on the back and wings, and buff to whitish underparts with a paler throat. Feathers are smooth and unpatterned, giving a uniformly drab appearance typical of reed warblers.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods gleaned from foliage, stems, and bark. It also hawks short distances for flying insects and probes leaf litter. Opportunistically, it may take small invertebrates and occasionally small lizards or soft fruits.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense shrubs, garden plots, plantations, and edges of regenerating forest where cover is abundant. Often forages from low to mid-level vegetation, including introduced plants around settlements.
