Sedge Warbler
Scientific Name: Acrocephalus schoenobaenusMaltese Name: Bufula tas-Simar
Family: Warblers (Sylviidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Sedge Warbler is one of the most regular Acrocephalus warblers here in the Maltese Islands. It has a wide white stripe over eye and blackish streaks on cap, whitish underside and brownish back. It forages in reeds and bushes in search of insects and spiders. It has a sharp tek tek tchrrrr call mixed with whistles and trills. Its call is often heard while on migration and often betrays its presence. It makes a nest of grass mixed with moss where it lays 5 or 6 eggs raising one, maybe two broods. The Sedge Warbler is a widespread breeder mainly associated with extensive reed beds and wetland vegetation. Migrates to central Africa.
Status:
The Sedge Warbler is a common migrant in spring and is recorded in autumn in smaller numbers. Falls may occasionally occur with up to 40+ birds present at one site.
When to See:
Spring; March until May, autumn; mid-August until October.
Where to See:
Prefers areas with water and plenty of reeds. Ghadira and Simar Nature Reserves are certainly the best sites being rich in its preferred habitat. Is also occasionally seen in bushes and low trees where water is not present. Valleys with reeds and vegetation can be very good; example Ghajn Rihana, Wied is-Sewda and also Lunzjata Valley in Gozo.
Photographs:
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Sedge Warbler, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Sedge Warbler, Simar Nature Reserve |
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