Acrocephalus bistrigiceps Swinhoe, 1860

Taxonomy and Naming

The black-browed reed warbler, with the scientific name Acrocephalus bistrigiceps, is a species of marsh-warbler belonging to the family Acrocephalidae.

Formal Description

This species was formally first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1860.

Former Classification

It was previously grouped into the broader 'Old World warbler' assemblage.

Breeding and Winter Range

This warbler breeds across a range extending from eastern Mongolia and southeastern Russia to eastern China and Japan, and migrates to Southeast Asia to spend the winter.

Related Species

It is closely related to, and similar in appearance to, the more common and widespread Eurasian reed warbler.

Foraging Behavior and Habitat

The black-browed reed warbler forages near the ground within undisturbed reed beds.

Conservation Status

Like many other wetland bird species, it is a species of conservation concern.

Threats to Habitat

This conservation status stems from habitat loss: native marsh vegetation where it lives is being destroyed and replaced by rice paddies and fishponds.