Acrocephalus agricola (Jerdon, 1845)

Taxonomic Classification

The paddyfield warbler, with the scientific name Acrocephalus agricola, is a species in the marsh warbler family Acrocephalidae. It was previously grouped with the assemblage known as "Old World warblers". The Manchurian reed warbler (A. tangorum) was once classified as a subspecies of paddyfield warbler, and this classification is still sometimes used today.

Etymology of Genus Name

The genus name Acrocephalus comes from the Ancient Greek terms akros, meaning "highest", and kephale, meaning "head". It has been suggested that Naumann and Naumann believed akros meant "sharp-pointed".

Etymology of Specific Epithet

The specific epithet agricola is Latin for "farmer".

Breeding Range

Paddyfield warblers breed in the temperate central Palearctic.

Migratory Pattern

They are migratory birds, and spend the winter in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. They are rare vagrants to western Europe, though small breeding populations exist along the western shores of the Black Sea near the border between Bulgaria and Romania.

Habitat

This passerine bird lives in areas with low vegetation, including long grass, reeds, and rice paddies.

Reproduction

It lays 4 to 5 eggs in a nest built in grass.

Body Measurements

It measures 13 cm (5.1 in) in length, with a wingspan of 15–17.5 cm (5.9–6.9 in). It is similar in size to the Eurasian reed warbler, but has a shorter bill and shorter wingspan.

Adult Plumage

Adults have an unstreaked pale brown back, buff underparts, and a warm brown rump. They have a distinct whitish supercilium, and a short, pointed bill.

Sexual Dimorphism and Juvenile Plumage

Like most warblers, male and female paddyfield warblers look identical, while young birds have richer buff colouring on their underparts.

Diet

Like most warblers, paddyfield warblers are insectivorous.

Song Characteristics

Their song is fast, similar to the marsh warbler's song, and includes extensive mimicry alongside whistles that are typical for the Acrocephalus genus. Compared to the marsh warbler's song, the paddyfield warbler's song is weaker and more rhythmic.