Scientific name: Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Hermann, 1804)
Bird group: Warblers
Field characters. 13 cm. Very similar to Marsh Warbler and Blyth's Reed Warbler. Upperparts more rufous toned, with more rufous rump than in Marsh Warbler. Supercilium indistinct. Underparts more coloured, less white, than Marsh Warbler. Legs sometimes more grey. Bill slightly longer and head flatter than in Marsh Warbler, giving a less 'gentle' appearance. Usually difficult to see, except when singing. Song often given from reed stem, slowly climbing to the top while singing.
Voice. Call 'cherr'. Song like Marsh Warbler, but less imitating, and like Sedge Warbler, but less hurried and more uniform. Characteristic is the always returning 'karre karre keet keet'.
Distribution. Common summer visitor.
Habitat. Needs reed, though sometimes satisfied with narrow fringe. More commonly found in uniform extensive reed beds than Marsh Warbler.
Food. Insects and, in autumn, berries.