Moustached warbler facts for kids
The moustached warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) is a small songbird found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It's a type of Old World warbler, known for its unique song and habitat. These birds are often found near water, hiding among reeds and tall grasses.
Quick facts for kids Moustached warbler |
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| In Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acrocephalus (bird)
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| Species: |
melanopogon
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| Subspecies | |
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| Range of A. melanopogon Breeding Resident Passage Non-breeding | |
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Contents
Where Do Moustached Warblers Live?
Moustached warblers breed in southern Europe and warmer parts of Asia. Some also breed in north-west Africa. They love places with lots of water plants. You can find them in reeds and sedge beds.
Migration and Winter Homes
These birds are partly migratory. This means some travel for winter. Birds from south-west Europe usually stay put. Those from south-east Europe spend winter in the Mediterranean area. Warblers from Asia fly to places like Arabia, India, and Pakistan.
What Does a Moustached Warbler Look Like?
The moustached warbler is a medium-sized bird. It is about 12 to 13.5 centimeters (5 inches) long. It's a bit bigger than a similar bird called the sedge warbler.
Key Features
Adult moustached warblers have brown backs with fine streaks. Their undersides are white. They have a flat forehead and a clear white stripe above their eye. This stripe is called a supercilium. Their cheeks are grey, and their beak is strong and pointed.
Young Birds and Gender
Male and female moustached warblers look the same. This is common for many warbler species. Young birds have more streaks on their backs. They also have markings on their chest.
What Do Moustached Warblers Eat?
Like most warblers, these birds are insectivorous. This means they mostly eat insects. They also enjoy eating water snails.
Moustached Warbler Song
The moustached warbler has a fast and lively song. It sounds a bit like the songs of the sedge warbler and reed warbler. Their song includes some sounds they copy from other birds. They also make special whistling sounds.
Unique Melodies
Their song is softer and more musical than their relatives. It even has parts that sound like a nightingale. Unlike the sedge warbler, the moustached warbler does not sing while flying.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Moustached warblers build their nests over water. They use reeds or rushes. Sometimes they build nests in a bush. They usually lay 3 to 6 eggs.
Nesting Habits
The female bird sits on the eggs for 14 to 15 days. This is called incubation. They usually have one mate for life. This is known as being monogamous.
Images for kids
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Eggs from the Museum Wiesbaden Collection
