Acrocephalus palustris

Interesting facts: It can be distinguished from it twin species, the reed warbler, mainly by its song. Its cup-shaped nest is built from reeds and grasses, well hidden, secured between reeds. It only spends three to four months in its breeding area. Immediately after successfully rearing the young in July or August, it returns again to its winter quarters in Africa.

Characteristics: Plumage very nondescript, upperside a uniform grey-brown to olive-brown, underside whitish with yellow tones; thin, pointed beak, light yellow-pink legs.

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: In reed zones of water bodies, bank vegetation of lakes and ponds, wetland areas

Song: The reed warbler is a master of imitation of other bird voices. Often rapidly changing, the song is made up of a wealth of brilliant imitations of other birds, among them the great tit and blue tit, magpie, barn swallow, goldfinch, blackbird, chaffinch, pied wagtail and chiffchaff