The reed warbler is a medium-sized warbler of reedbeds. A summer visitor to the UK, it weaves its nest as a sling between two or three reed stems, and lays three to five eggs in it. Forming monogamous pairs, both parents raise the chicks, bringing them insects to eat. Reed warblers are common victims of brood-parasitism by cuckoos. Having laid an egg in the nest while the parents are unaware, the female cuckoo leaves the intruding chick to hatch. The cuckoo chick pushes all the other eggs and chicks out of the nest so its foster parents can concentrate solely on bringing it food.
How to identify
Reed warblers are a plain, warm brown above and buff below, with a pale throat and a short, pale stripe in front of the eye. You are more likely to hear their 'chattering' song, than see them hidden among the reeds.
Did you know?
The closely related marsh warbler and blyth's reed warbler are both rare visitors to the UK, but are almost identical to the reed warbler.
