Lesser Swamp Warbler
Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Nondescript, long-tailed, long-billed warbler of wetlands. Varies geographically, with the back being olive-brown to rusty-brown, and the underparts pure white to pale brown. Found in reedbed wetland habitat, including papyrus. Far less secretive than many marsh-dwelling warblers; often hops about in the open. Frequently sings a variable, complex mix of raspy and musical notes that usually ends in a trill. Smaller than Greater Swamp Warbler, larger than African Reed Warbler, and shorter-winged than Great Reed Warbler.
Identification
The lesser swamp warbler is a plain-coloured smallish bird 14–16 cm long and weighing around 20 g. Its upperparts are rich brown, and it has a white supercilium. The underparts are white, with a rufous wash to the flanks. The long, strong bill has a slightly down-curved upper mandible; it is blackish-yellow with a yellower base. The legs are blue-grey and the eyes are brown. Adults of both sexes and juvenile birds are very similar in appearance.<p>The song is rich and melodious, a series of bubbly phrases that include trilling notes, cheerup chee trrreee and a large number of variations, with pauses between phrases.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Acrocephalus gracilirostris
- Authority
- (Hartlaub, 1864)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Acrocephalidae
- Genus
- Acrocephalus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The lesser swamp warbler builds a deep, firm cup nest from strips of reed blades, grass and sedges, which is lined with finer grasses. It is always placed in reeds above water. It nests mainly from August to December, with the earliest nesters being those in the winter rainfall areas of the Western Cape Province. It lays two or three brown eggs. This species is monogamous, pairing for life.<p>The lesser swamp warbler is usually seen alone or in pairs, moving through wetland reedbeds, and clambering up and down reed stems. It eats insects and other small invertebrates.
Conservation
This common species has a large range, with an estimated extent of 5,700,000 km2. The population size is believed to be large, and the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Blackish ibis with white neck and underparts, beautiful iridescence on upper parts visible in good light. Adult has ‘straw-like’ plumes on neck, which are absent in juveniles. Often flies in formation at high altitudes, with flock sizes varying greatly. Typically feeds in grassland habitats, farm paddocks, and sporting fields.
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