The speckled reed warbler or streaked reed warbler is an Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds sparsely in northeastern China, with possible historical or occasional breeding in adjacent parts of the Russian Far East. Migrates south through eastern China and has been recorded on passage in coastal provinces and Hong Kong. Winters primarily in Southeast Asia, with notable records from the Philippines and scattered sites in Vietnam, Thailand, and peninsular Malaysia. It is strongly associated with extensive reedbeds, sedge marshes, and seasonally flooded agricultural landscapes such as rice paddies. Fragmented and degraded wetlands limit its occurrence to a few suitable sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the streaked reed warbler, this elusive Old World warbler was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863. It is one of the rarest reedbed specialists, with a tiny and declining population tied to intact wetlands. Much of its life cycle remained poorly known for decades due to its secretive habits and scattered records. Conservation focuses on protecting reedbeds and seasonally flooded rice fields along its migration and wintering routes.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping low in dense emergent vegetation. Nests are cup-shaped and suspended between reed stems, with small clutches. Likely mostly monogamous, with both parents involved in care. Outside breeding, it remains furtive and is seldom seen in mixed flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, hurried warble with buzzy trills, dry chatters, and thin squeaks delivered from deep cover or a low perch. Calls include a sharp tik or tchik note. Overall quieter and more delicate than larger reed warblers.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts heavily streaked with dark lines, with finer streaking or speckling on the breast and flanks. Underparts are buff to off-white with variable streaking. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, aiding movement through dense reeds.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, flies, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. It gleans prey from reed stems and leaves and occasionally snatches insects in short sallies. During migration and winter, it may also take small aquatic invertebrates in flooded fields. Plant matter is minimal or incidental.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense reedbeds, sedge margins, and rank grasses along marsh edges. Frequently uses wet rice fields, drainage ditches, and seasonally flooded plots where cover and shallow water coincide. Typically stays close to cover, rarely venturing into open ground.
