Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Where Sedge Warbler will use any tall, dense vegetation, the Reed Warbler requires stands of common reed (Phragmites). Marshside has enough to support a small breeding population. The song is rhythmic and churring — repetitive phrases that have a mechanical quality compared to Sedge Warbler's variety. Reed Warblers are frequent Cuckoo hosts.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Habitat | Phragmites reed bed · Tall marsh vegetation |
| Diet | Insects, spiders, small invertebrates |
| UK population | Around 130,000 breeding pairs |
| Sefton Coast | Small breeding population at Marshside where Phragmites reed grows |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Reed beds at Marshside RSPB. Wherever Phragmites reed grows.
Identification
Plain warm brown above, buff below. No supercilium (unlike Sedge Warbler). Rounded tail. Climbs reed stems. Song: repetitive churring phrases.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Listen for churring from dense reed stands. They're more regular in their phrases than Sedge Warbler — almost mechanical.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Reed Warblers Cuckoo hosts on the Sefton Coast?
Reed Warblers are one of the primary hosts of Cuckoos in England. If Cuckoos are present near reed beds at Marshside, there is a real chance of seeing the parasitic relationship — the female Cuckoo lays a single egg in a Reed Warbler nest, which then raises the much larger Cuckoo chick.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.