About reed bed birds

Three common, brownish birds are often associated with reed beds – the reed and sedge warbler and the reed bunting. The first two are migrants, returning in April and early May, whilst the reed bunting is a resident all year round.

Location Reed beds are found across the British Isles, from thin strips along the sides of large rivers to extensive stretches in nature reserves, such as Leighton Moss in Lancashire and Titchwell in Norfolk. Size All three birds are roughly the same size as a sparrow. Nests Reed warbler: hanging nest in reeds or sedges; sedge warbler and reed bunting: lower down and hidden in vegetation.

Diet Reed and sedge warblers: insects, berries in autumn. Reed bunting: seeds and insects.

Population It’s estimated that there are 130,000 breeding pairs of reed warbler in the UK, 290,000 territories of sedge warbler, and 250,000 territories of reed bunting.