Saipan Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus hiwae
A relatively large plain brown reed warbler with a pale throat, a yellowish face, a darker cap and tail, and an absurdly long decurved bill. Found in areas of tall dense grasses, reed marshes, and scrubby thickets up to 400 meters of elevation. Song is a slow, loud reel of whistles, warbles, harsh “chak” notes, and trills. Call is a loud, offensive “tchak.” Often sings at night.
Identification
The Saipan reed warbler is approximately 17 cm (6.7 in) long, and is greyish olive-brown above with a pale-yellow underside. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Both sexes have a long bill compared to other reed warbler species.
Taxonomy
It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the extinct nightingale reed warbler (A. luscinius) by some taxonomists.
- Scientific name
- Acrocephalus hiwae
- Authority
- (Yamashina, 1942)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Acrocephalidae
- Genus
- Acrocephalus
Range and habitat
It occurs on two islands: Saipan and Alamagan. An estimated population of 2700 birds was reported in 2009 on Saipan, and on Alamagan 950 birds were reported in 2010. It inhabits wetlands, thickets and the margins of forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Threats to the survival of the Saipan reed warbler include habitat destruction resulting from urban development and agriculture, the introduction of invasive species, and volcanic eruptions.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Sunda Collared-Dove
Streptopelia bitorquata
Medium-sized pinkish-brown dove with bright red eyes. “Collar” is black with a white upper margin. Favors mangroves and other open forests and forest edge, occasionally venturing into areas of human habitation; generally uncommon throughout much of its range. Gives a deep throaty purr.
Capped White-eye
Zosterops fuscicapilla
A small bird of montane forest and edge. Olive green above, blending to yellow on the belly and under the base of the tail. Note the black face and crown, and prominent white eye-ring. Often found in large flocks. All the other white-eyes on New Guinea have whitish underparts. Song, an arhythmic series of notes not varying much in pitch.
Lemon-bellied Flyrobin
Microeca flavigaster
Small Australian robin, gray above, lacking pale panels in folded wing and white in tail. Except in Kimberley subspecies, pale belly washed with lemon yellow. Often perches near the top of trees, calling frequently. Jacky-winter has white outer tail feathers and no yellow belly; Golden Whistler much larger, with yellow limited to lower belly. Inhabits many habitat types in northern Australia.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.