The white-winged swamp warbler, also known as the white-winged scrub-warbler, is a species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It is found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is swamps.
Region
East and Central Africa, Great Lakes/Albertine Rift
Typical Environment
Occurs in extensive papyrus swamps, marshy lake margins, and along slow-flowing rivers across Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It favors dense stands of Cyperus papyrus and other tall sedges, often near floating vegetation mats. The species keeps close to water, using thick emergent vegetation for cover. It can persist in moderately disturbed wetlands if dense cover remains, but avoids open marsh without tall reeds.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking papyrus specialist, the white-winged swamp warbler keeps to dense reedbeds where its bold white wing panel often flashes during short flights. It is highly tied to intact swamps and papyrus stands, making it sensitive to drainage and reed cutting. Its song is a dry, insect-like trill delivered from deep cover.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, moving mouse-like through dense papyrus. Breeding pairs defend small territories within reedbeds and place cup nests low over water amid papyrus stems. Young are tended in cover, with adults remaining close to dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, insect-like trill or reeling series, sometimes interspersed with ticking notes, given from hidden perches within reeds. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used to keep pairs in touch.
