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Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warbler

(Acrocephalus australis)
Alternative names: "Reed-warbler", "Reed-bird", "Water-sparrow"; Misnomer: "Nightingale"
Size: 16-17 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

There are two races of Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warblers. Nominate race "australis" is ofund mostly in the eastern half of the continent, while race "gouldii" occurs in WA. Both are partly migratory, extending their range northwards outside the breeding season. Race "australis" breeds in the south-eastern part of the continent (south-eastern SA, all of VIC and NSW, small parts of southern QLD) and migrates northward to the base of Cape York peninsula and to the Mt. Isa area in northern QLD, but also across the eastern half of SA and the central NT to the Kimberley Range, where they share a breeding area with race "gouldii". Race "gouldii" breeds in the south-western corner of WA and populates the western part of WA outside their breeding season, as far inland as the catchments of the major rivers such as e.g. Fitzroy River and Gascoyne River. They occasionally cross the area of Eighty Mile Beach into the Kimberleys, a breeding area they share with race "australis".

Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warblers can be found in reeds and other dense vegetation around watercourses, lakes and also farm dams.

Twitcher's tip

Species Acrocephalus stentoreus is now considered to be Asian.

Sightings

The Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warblers observed by us deserve their name - they are clamorous indeed. First spotted by us in August 2007, then subsequently in various locations in reeds around dams, rivers and lakes near Narrabri, NSW. A large population is present in the reeds around Narrabri Lake.

In September 2008, a Australian Reed-Warbler found the newly grown reeds on the dam of our property, 20 km east of Narrabri and stayed there for a while.

Also seen in coastal areas of southern and central QLD, such as e.g. Byfield National Park, in July 2009.

Photos

Frontal view of an Australian Reed-Warbler

Slightly different posture

Lateral view of an Australian Reed-Warbler

Lateral view of an Australian Reed-Warbler hunting in reeds

Rear view of an Australian Reed-Warbler

Slightly different posture

Australian (Clamorous) Reed-Warbler using algal growth to support its weight

Here a specimen that looks a bit ruffled, possibly a young bird

Breeding information

Breeding season: Sep - Dec Eggs: 3 - 4 Incubation period: 14 - 15 days Fledging age: 14 - 16 days

The breeding season can be extended inland depending on rainfall.

Nest

Type: Basket Material: Reeds Height above ground: 0.5 - 1 m

Nest that is becoming visible at the end of the breeding season, when reeds thin out

Eggs

Size: 20 x 14 mm Colour: White, with dark-brown speckles Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial Mobility: Sedentary Elementary unit: Pair

Food

Like all warblers of the Acrocephalus family known to us, Australian Reed-Warblers feed on insects that they catch in flight or pick from reeds.