© Photo by Adam Jones Reed Warbler Acrocephalus Scirpaceus The Reed Warbler is a medium-sized warbler of reedbeds. A summer visitor breeding in the UK, it weaves its nest as a sling between two or three reed stems; the female lays three to five eggs in it. © Photo by Amy Lewis Forming monogamous pairs, both parents raise the chicks, bringing them insects to eat. Reed Warblers are common victims of brood-parasitism by Cuckoos. Having laid an egg in the nest while the parents are unaware, the female Cuckoo leaves the intruding chick to hatch. The Cuckoo chick pushes all the other eggs and chicks out of the nest so its foster, Reed Warbler parents can concentrate solely on bringing it food. How to Identify Reed Warblers are a plain, warm brown above and buff below, with a pale throat and a short, pale stripe in front of the eye. You are more likely to hear their ‘churring’ song, than see them amongst the reeds. Where to find Widespread summer visitor to lowland central and southern England and Wales. Rarer in Scotland and Northern Ireland. How People Can Help To help wetland birds such as the Reed Warbler, The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves sympathetically – scrub clearance, ditch and scrape digging and reedbed planting and cutting are just some of the management techniques used to benefit wildlife. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you’ll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way. Did you know? The closely related Marsh Warbler (a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan) and Blyth’s Reed Warbler are both rare visitors to Britain, but almost identical to the Reed Warbler. Key FactsLength: 13cmWingspan: 19cmWeight: 13gAverage lifespan: 2 years Donate Donate to help support Reed Warblers and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds