Sedge warbler

The sedge warbler is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It is a medium-sized warbler with a brown, streaked back and wings and a distinct pale supercilium. Sedge warblers are migratory, crossing the Sahara to get from their European and Asian breeding grounds to spend winter in Africa. The male's song is composed of random chattering phrases and can include mimicry of other species. The sedge warbler is mostly insectivorous.

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Distribution

Region

Europe and western Asia (breeding); sub-Saharan Africa (wintering)

Typical Environment

Breeds in wetlands with dense vegetation, especially reedbeds, sedge marshes, fens, and damp scrub. Prefers mosaic habitats with tall reeds, sedges, and scattered willows or shrubs near standing or slow-flowing water. During migration and winter, it uses reedbeds, river edges, flooded grasslands, and Sahelian scrub with tall grasses. It stages at rich wetland stopovers to rapidly gain fat before and after crossing the Sahara.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size12–13 cm

Wing Span17–21 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy3 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The sedge warbler is a lively Old World warbler famous for its rich, fast, and improvisational song that often includes mimicry of other birds. It breeds across temperate Europe and western Asia and migrates across the Sahara to winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Males may perform brief song-flights above reedbeds during the breeding season. Outside the breeding season, it can form loose flocks at reed-filled stopover sites.

Gallery

Sedge warbler in its habitat: a reedbed. Uitkerke, Belgium.

Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Sedge warbler carrying grubs

Behaviour

Temperament

active but somewhat secretive; territorial in breeding season

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights; occasional brief song-flights

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in pairs when breeding; males defend territories and sing from exposed perches or within reeds. The nest is a deep cup low in sedges or reeds; clutch typically 4–6 eggs. Both adults feed the nestlings; loose aggregations may form at rich stopover reedbeds during migration.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

A fast, chattering, and highly varied warble delivered in bursts, often including mimicry of other birds. Males may sing continuously, day and night, especially early in the breeding season. Song-flights with excited chatter are common over reedbeds.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Sedge wren

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Semipalmated plover

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