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Rimatara reed warbler

Rimatara reed warbler

Wikipedia

The Rimatara reed warbler is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It is found only in Rimatara in French Polynesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and swamps. Due to its limited geographic distribution, this bird is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

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Distribution

Region

Polynesia, South Pacific

Typical Environment

Occurs only on Rimatara, where it inhabits dense thickets, secondary dry forest, coastal scrub, and reed- or sedge-lined swales. It frequents edges of wetlands, pandanus and hibiscus groves, and overgrown agricultural plots. The species forages from near ground level up to the mid-story, staying close to cover. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if dense shrub layers remain.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 100 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size17–19 cm
Wing Span22–25 cm
Male Weight0.024 kg
Female Weight0.022 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This little reed warbler is confined to the tiny island of Rimatara in French Polynesia, making it highly vulnerable to habitat change and introduced predators. Conservation attention focuses on biosecurity to keep invasive rats and cats off the island and on protecting remaining thickets and wetland patches. It forages low in dense vegetation and is often heard before it is seen. Its plain plumage is typical of Pacific reed-warblers, but its long, slender bill and strong song help with identification.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, usually low and direct over vegetation

Social Behavior

Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense cover. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or reeds. Likely monogamous with both parents participating in care, as in other Acrocephalus warblers.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, varied warble with chattering phrases and harsh scolds delivered from concealed perches. The song carries well through thickets and often includes repeated rhythmic motifs. Call notes are sharp ‘tchk’ or ‘churr’ given when alarmed.

Identification

Leg Colorgreyish-brown
Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Plain brown to olive-brown above with buffy to whitish underparts and a slightly warmer wash on the flanks and undertail. Subtle but distinct pale supercilium and dusky lores; plumage lacks strong streaking. Feathers are soft and sleek, aiding its stealthy, reed-skirting movement.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily small insects such as beetles, caterpillars, flies, and bugs, along with spiders and other small arthropods. It gleans from leaves, probes bark crevices and stems, and occasionally sallies short distances to snatch prey. Opportunistic feeding may include tiny snails or soft fruits when available, but animal prey dominates.

Preferred Environment

Feeds within dense shrubbery, reed beds, and along wetland margins, rarely venturing far from cover. Also forages in overgrown gardens and secondary growth with tangled vines and sedges.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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