Reed Warbler
Scientific Name: Acrocephalus scirpaceusMaltese Name: Bufula tal-Qasab
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common Spring & Autumn Migrant , Localised Breeder
Breeds in Malta: Yes
Breeding Frequency: Rare & Localised
Overview:
The reed warbler is a plain unstreaked warbler. It is warm brown above and buff coloured underneath. The song is a slow, chattering jit-jit-jit with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added. This birds spends most of its life in reed beds where it feeds on small insects. It usually builds its nest woven around reed stems at medium height above the water, but it sometimes builds its nest in trees found in marshes such as the tamarisk.
Status and Distribution:
The Reed Warbler, although a common migrant in Autumn and Spring, is restricted to two breeding localities in Malta, Simar Nature reserve (6-8 pairs) and Salina Saltpans (1-2 pairs). It was first recorded breeding in Salina in 1977. No breeding records were confirmed in the following years until 1995 when 1 pair bred again at Salina and another pair bred at Simar Nature Reserve ( this was the year when the reed bed at Simar Nature Reserve was suitable enough for the Reed Warbler to breed). Reed warblers have bred at Simar Nature Reserve yearly since then while at Salina it is not confirmed breeding each year.
When to See:
Late April till October.
Where to See:
Simar Nature Reserve is for sure the best place to see this bird. Salina and Ghadira Nature Reserve are good places as well. During migration may be seen in valleys with abundant water and reeds.
Photographs:
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| Adult Reed Warbler, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Reed Warbler, Simar Nature Reserve | Nest of Reed Warbler with 4 eggs, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Nest of Reed Warbler with 3 pulli, Simar Nature Reserve | Adult Reed Warbler feeding young in nest, Simar Nature Reserve |
Listen to Reed Warbler:
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