Bird of the month – Australian reed warbler

Often elusive and difficult to spot, the Australian reed warbler may sport understated plumage, but what they lack in vibrancy they make up for with a sweet, delicate song.

The feathers on the crown are often raised to form a crest during singing, and it is believed the melodious call is used as a signal to advertise a male’s fitness to females and other males, as well as asserting and defending territories.

The Australian reed warbler makes its home in an array of wetlands with – as made obvious by their name – a fondness for reeds and rushes.

Their diet of choice is insects and molluscs.

Here on the east coast, breeding season is from October to December, and both mum and dad build the nest, but incubation is taken care of by the female.

Unfortunately there is only a nesting success of 58%, and nest predation is the major cause of nesting losses.

Melissa Marie