Reed, sedge or marsh??

[RichardB]

Any help wiould be appreciated. The 3rd file is a sound file.

[Harry M]

Reed Warbler

[RichardB]

Harry
Thanks for the reply. Can I ask if that was based on the pictures or the sound or a combination of the two?

[Jamie]

Hi,

from the pictures it is either Marsh (rare in Cleveland) or Reed (common in Cleveland) Warbler. The call though is Reed Warbler. Marsh warbler mimics other birds a lot more. Reed Warblers sound like they cant quite get going properly and 'chug' along. Sedge Warblers just sing without the chugging (if you get what I mean!)

[RichardB]

Thanks Jamie. There is a maxim which says "If you hear hoof beats think horses not zebras" meaning the things you come across are most likely to be the common variety and I usually apply this to most things. Thanks for the tips on the song.

[Harry M]

The pictures cross out Sedge Warbler strait away, but telling if it's a Marsh or Reed Warbler in the field is very difficult and you really need to listen to the song and the expert mimicing, like Jamie said. The Grey-Brown back and pale tips to the primary's are the only obvious differences I know on looks.