The Reed Warbler is a plain unstreaked warbler. It is warm brown above and buff coloured underneath.

Breeds almost exclusively in reedbeds. In the summer, can be looked for in reedbeds in lowland central and southern England and Wales - it is rarer elsewhere. It is common in estuaries and can also be found alongside rivers and lakes. Sings from within the reedbed rather than from a perch, so often it is heard rather than seen.

Mid-April to early October

A migratory bird that winters in sub-Saharan Africa south to Zambia. Birds from western Europe migrate via the western Mediterranean, those from Hungary and the Czech Republic eastwards migrate in a south-easterly direction.

Up to 120,000 breeding pairs. A summer visitor to breed in the UK, with the largest concentrations in East Anglia and along the south coast - there are relatively few breeding in Scotland and Ireland.

Fairly common migrant breeder in suitable habitat. Colonies of 50+ pairs have been recorded at Stanford Reservoir, Rutland Water, Grantham Canal and Watermead Country Park