reed warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Skulking but noisy bird of reed beds.

Habitat: reed beds and other dense, tall waterside vegetation

Summer visitor common in appropriate habitat

Dagger-like bill, accentuated by sloping forehead; buffy flanks, rusty rump, brown legs; 12–13cm

Usually skulks in deep cover, hopping from stem to stem, but sometimes perches on reed-tops

Feeds on marsh insects and berries in autumn

Nest is a deep cup of grasses woven on to reed stems

1 brood May to July; 4–5 pale green eggs, spotted grey

Favourite host for cuckoo's eggs