Reed warbler amongst the cow parsley by Eric Wander

The reed warbler: small in stature, loud in song Anyone who walks or cycles past a ditch, pond or reed bed in summer will be familiar with the sound: from within the reeds comes the cheerful, sometimes rather jumbled song of the reed warblers. The bird itself, however, is much harder to spot. It prefers to remain well hidden amongst the reed stalks.

One of the best-known reed warblers in the Netherlands is the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). At around 13 centimetres in length, it is certainly no giant. Moreover, the various reed warblers look quite similar, which is why it is important to look and listen carefully.

The reed warbler is an agile insectivore with predominantly brown plumage. Its underparts are lighter and its upperparts slightly darker. Its wings have a warm, rust-brown hue.

This little bird is also a skilled architect. The nest is artfully woven from wet plant debris and secured between two to four reed stalks. As it dries, the mud acts as a natural glue, ensuring the nest remains firmly in place. The rim is often finished with cobwebs and the inside lined with soft reed plumes.

Usually, the female lays three to five speckled eggs, which hatch in ten to twelve days. But sometimes an uninvited guest turns up: the cuckoo. It lays its egg in the nest and then leaves the little reed warbler to raise the cuckoo chick. A bird that is not only a fine singer and builder, but also has to provide childcare without being asked.