Greater Swamp Warbler
NameGreater Swamp Warbler
Common NameGreater Swamp Warbler
Scientific NameAcrocephalus rufescens
FamilyAcrocephalidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)23
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally dull brown on the upperparts, including the crown, back, and wings. The underparts are paler, a buffy-white, often with faint streaking on the flanks. It has a pale supercilium that can be subtle, and a relatively long, pointed bill.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a rich, varied, and melodious series of whistles, trills, and chattering notes, often delivered from a prominent perch within its reedbed habitat. Alarm calls are typically harsh 'churr' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, its range extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Sudan, and south through Central Africa to Angola, Zambia, and northern Botswana.
Identifying Featuresplain brown plumage, long, pointed bill, preference for dense reedbeds and papyrus, rich, varied song
Description
A medium-sized, plain brown warbler, the Greater Swamp Warbler is typically found clambering through dense wetland vegetation. It has dull brown upperparts and paler, buffy-white underparts, often with an indistinct pale supercilium. This species is known for its rich and varied song.
