Reed Warbler vs Sedge Warbler: How to Tell Them Apart

The Reed Warbler has long under-tail feathers; it is a sandy brownish colour above and buffish underneath, lightening to white on the throat. The rump is flushed with reddish-brown. The bill is long and narrow like a needle, the legs are dark, the forehead is quite flat, and there's a pale strip across the eye. Birds are duller and more grey come the end of summer. Juveniles resemble adults but they are richer in colour with orangish-brown flanks.

Prefers matured fenland, ditches and lake margins for breeding. It tends towards reeds that grow in water, but may also breed amidst crops. Migrant birds can be found in less characteristic places such as gardens and orchards.

Reed Warblers have a loud song that consists of repeated noises and chatter such as 'rrr' and 'zzz' sounds. It also has a high-pitched 'tche' call.

The Sedge Warbler has quite a flat head and a dark streak that runs from its eye to the bill's base. It is sandy-brown on top with dark streaks, and the underparts are pale with an orangish-buff tinge on the flanks and breast. The rump is reddish brown and it has a stripe over the eye. The plumage dulls towards the end of summer. Juveniles resemble adults but they are more vivid in their colouring and have lightly streaked breasts.

Breeding usually takes place in wet areas in dense vegetation such as marshes, reedbeds and riverside scrub. Some breeding occurs in drier habitats such as bramble, hawthorn thickets, and crop fields.

The Sedge Warbler has a noisy, repetitive song that is a combination of chirrups and chatters. Has a harsh 'tuk' call or a 'chirr', and most singing is performed during the day.