Scientific name: Acrocephalus arundinaceus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Warblers
Field characters. 19 cm. Like a huge Reed Warbler, almost the size of a Starling. Upperparts uniformly brown without spots or streaks, underparts white, but flanks and undertail buffish. In flight, rump contrasts slightly with upperparts, being more buff-coloured. Small but distinct white supercilium and dark eye-stripe. Bill long and heavy, legs grey. Usually seen singing in top of a reed stem. Movement slow and ponderous through vegetation, with 'heavy' hops.
Voice. Call harsh 'chak'. Song loud and grating 'karra karra keet keet krrk'.
Distribution. Declining in western part of region, still common in eastern parts. Summer visitor.
Habitat. Extensive reed beds near marshes and lakes.
Food. Insects and small vertebrates. In autumn also berries.