Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Large brown reed warbler with a long, powerful-looking bill. Birds in the Middle East and northeastern Africa average warmer brown than in southern Asia. Most readily confused with other large reed warblers. Oriental Reed Warbler has a “rough-looking,” vaguely streaked throat unlike the clean throat of the Clamorous Reed Warbler. Worn birds may not be identifiable to species level, especially if seen poorly. Great Reed Warbler is similar, but has pink instead of gray legs. Breeds in a wide range of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, lakeshores, and mangroves; even in cultivation in some areas. Non-breeding habitats also include drier areas. Song is a loud and jumbled series of harsh grating sounds. Calls include loud, forceful, and hard-sounding chuck’s and churrs.
Identification
Clamorous reed warbler is a large song thrush-sized warbler at 18–20 cm. The adult has an unstreaked brown back and whitish underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers. It is very like the great reed warbler, but that species has richer coloured underparts.<p>There are a number of races differing in plumage shades. The migratory northern race has the richest brown upperparts, and the endemic Sri Lanka subspecies is the darkest form.<p>Like most warblers, the clamorous reed warbler is insectivorous, but will take other small prey items.<p>The song is loud and far-carrying, but less raucous than that of the great reed warbler. It is a slow, chattering kereet-kereet-kereet with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Acrocephalus stentoreus
- Authority
- (Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1833)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Acrocephalidae
- Genus
- Acrocephalus
Range and habitat
Most populations are sedentary, but the breeding birds in Pakistan, Afghanistan and north India are migratory, wintering in peninsular India and Sri Lanka.<p>This passerine bird is a species found in large reed beds, often with some bushes. 3-6 eggs are laid in a basket nest in reeds.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Mountain Firetail
Oreostruthus fuliginosus
A chunky finch of upper montane forest edge and shrubby borders of subalpine grasslands. Brown head, brown back and wings, and red rump. Male has an orange-yellow bill and reddish belly. Female has an orange-yellow lower bill, dark upper bill and reddish sides. Juvenile has a brown belly and all dark bill. The adults are distinctive in their habitat. Juvenile Snow Mountain or Alpine Munias are also brown with a gray bill, but the juvenile Mountain Firetail is chunkier with a red rump. Voice, a strange rasping, squeaking song and a nasal “wek”.
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