Savi's Warbler
Scientific Name: Locustella luscinioidesMaltese Name: Bufula tal-Buda
Family: Warblers and allies (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Very Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Savi's Warbler is a species found in reed beds, usually with some bushes. 3-6 eggs are laid in a nest in reeds. It is a medium-sized warbler. It breeds in southern Europe into temperate western Asia. It is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. The adult has an unstreaked grey-brown back, whitish grey underparts and a uniformly coloured undertail, which is a distinction from the similarRiver Warbler. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are yellower below. Like most warblers, it is insectivorous. This is not a skulky species, but can be difficult to see in the reeds except sometimes when singing. The song is a monotonous mechanical insect-like reeling, often given at dusk.
Status:
Very Scarce migrant. 1-2 records each spring and autumn migration. More records in Autumn than in Spring.
When to See:
March and April in Spring, August till October in Autumn.
Where to See:
Mostly seen at Ghadira and Simar Nature Reserves. Freshwater valleys with reeds are also good spots.
Photographs:
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Savi's Warbler, 9th April 2007, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Savi's Warbler (below) and Cetti's Warbler, 9th April 2007, Simar Nature Reserve | Savi's Warbler, 28th August 2009, Simar Nature Reserve |
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