Clamorous Reed Warbler

The clamorous reed warbler is a large reed warbler, about the size of a song thrush at 18–20cm long. The adult has an unstreaked brown back, whitish underparts, a flattened forehead and a strong, pointed bill, and the sexes look alike. It is very like the great reed warbler, which has richer-coloured underparts. Races differ in shade, the migratory northern race being the richest brown above and the Sri Lankan race the darkest (Wikipedia, general species account).

It lives in large reedbeds, often with some bushes, and lays three to six eggs in a basket nest in the reeds. It is insectivorous but takes other small prey. Its song is loud and far-carrying but less raucous than the great reed warbler's, a slow, chattering kereet-kereet-kereet with whistles and mimicry. Most populations are sedentary, but northern breeders migrate south for the winter (Wikipedia, general species account).