Acrocephalus stentoreus

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Family

Sylviidae

Genus

Acrocephalus

 

Species

stentoreus

Common Names

Clamorous Reed-Warbler, Australian Reed-Warbler, Long-billed Reed-Warbler, Reed-lark

Distinguishing Features

This species is best known for its song, rising from thick reed beds across the country. It is a fairly small bird of 16-17cm, with an all brown appearance. Its head, back, wings and tail are darker brown, while the underparts are lighter. It has a brown eye and a pale cream eyebrow. When in full song, the bird lifts the feathers on its crown to make a slight peak.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A rich, powerful and slightly metallic song of 'quitt-kwitchy-kwarty' or a sharp scold.

 

Similar Species

The Oriental Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) is a sightly larger bird with similar colourings. It is only found in some coastal areas of Australia and has a much less melodic song.

Distribution

The Clamorous Reed-Warbler is found across most of Australia, moving from north to south seasonally. It is not found in the arid regions of SA and WA.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The number of birds to the Canberra region peaks in November and quickly decreases again, with most birds congregating around Lake Burley Griffin and at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Four sightings were made at both ANU and Civic West.

Associated vegetation community

This species is found in the long grass and reeds around wetlands and lakes, especially in cumbungi (Typha), bamboo thickets or lantana.

Limiting Resources

Thick reeds around a waterbody are an essential habitat for this species. Areas free from introduced, ground dwelling predators are especially important over the breeding season.

Breeding

The Clamorous Reed-Warbler breeds from September to February. It builds a deep cup in the stems of dense reeds, about 0.5 to one metre above the water. The nest is woven into the reeds with fine strips of vegetation to stop them from sliding, and the cup narrows at the top to prevent the 3-4 eggs from rolling out when the reeds sway in the wind. The eggs are small and white with brown spots, requiring 14-15 days of incubation by the female. The young leave the nest about 14-16 days after hatching.

Behaviour

This species moves into the Canberra region over the summer months for the breeding season. It is usually the spirited song of this species that reveals its presence, as it is usually well hidden amongst thick reeds. A singing bird will perch on a stem and puff out its feathers and crown. It can be sighted if it climbs along the stems of the outer reeds, or if it makes a quick flight across the water.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

The small birds eat a range of insects found around the water and some very small aquatic animals.

Predators

This species in prone to attacks from any predator that can squeeze or force through the thick rushes into their nesting territory. This may include Black Rats (Rattus Rattus) and Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa).

Interesting Fact

The breeding territories of the Clamorous Reed-Warbler are very tiny and the birds must sing constantly to maintain them.