Australian Reed-warbler
Photo: John Tudor © John Tudor
Australian Reed-warbler
Photo: Ed Pierce © Ed Pierce
Distribution map of Acrocephalus australis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Australian Reed-Warbler
Scientific name: Acrocephalus australis
Family: Acrocephalidae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Small insect-eating birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Australian Reed-Warbler is plain olive-brown above, with white underparts tinged golden-orange, and has a pale orange-brown eyebrow. The sexes are similar. This species is more often heard than seen, but will be observed at times climbing among reeds and other water vegetation. Makes short low flights across water.
Similar species
The very similar Oriental Reed-Warbler is only a rare visitor to Australia, and is paler above, with a shorter, heavier bill and has longer, more pointed wings. The Australian Reed-Warbler is not streaked like grassbirds or cisticolas. It was originally included as part of the Clamourous Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus stentorius ) section of the Old World warblers, but is now considered to be a separate species.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Australian Reed-Warbler is found throughout Australia where there is suitable habitat and is also found from New Guinea to south-eastern Africa.
Habitat
The Australian Reed-Warbler prefers dense vegetation alongside water, especially thick reed beds, as well as tall crops, bamboo thickets and lantana.
Seasonal movements
Sedentary in the north; migratory in the south, moving south to breed.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Australian Reed-Warbler eats insects.
Breeding
The Australian Reed-Warbler builds a deep cup nest with a narrow top opening in among dense reeds. It is made from dry reeds and other water plants woven together and lined with fine dry grass and feathers. The female incubates the eggs.
References
Serventy, V.N. (ed) 1982. The Wrens and Warblers of Australia. Angus and Robertson and the Australian Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.