Bearded Reedling
Image: Dominic Best (cc0)
NameBearded Reedling
Common NameBearded Reedling
Scientific NamePanurus biarmicus
FamilyPanuridae
Wingspan (cm)17
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)13.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a pale grey head with a prominent black moustachial stripe, a tawny-orange back and wings, and buff underparts. The long tail is rufous. Females are duller overall, lacking the black moustache and having a more streaky brown head.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, metallic 'ping' or 'psching' call, often given in flight or when moving through dense reedbeds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsreedbeds, marshes, wetlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across temperate Europe and Asia, primarily in fragmented populations associated with extensive reedbeds, from Western Europe to Eastern China.
Identifying Featureslong graduated tail, tawny-orange body, grey head (male), black moustachial stripe (male), reedbed specialist, metallic 'ping' call
Description
A small, distinctive passerine bird found exclusively in extensive reedbeds. Males are particularly striking with their grey head and black 'moustaches', while both sexes possess a long, graduated tail. They are agile climbers, often clinging to reed stems to forage.
