Great reed warbler

The Great Grebe is a migratory bird, spending its winters in tropical Africa and returning to Romania from April. It is a territorial bird, and the male demarcates a territory by song and aggressive display towards other males. Nesting takes place in dense reed thickets near water, where it builds a nest suspended between reed stems. The pair usually lays between 3 and 6 eggs, and both parents care for the young, providing them with food and protection.

Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Description and how to observe Great reed warbler:

The great reed warbler is a medium-sized bird with a discreet, predominantly brown plumage, which helps it to camouflage effectively in reed thickets. It can be identified by its characteristic, sonorous song, a mixture of trills and repetitive chirps, and is one of the noisiest reed warbler inhabitants. It is easiest to spot in the spring and summer months, when males become more vocal and territorial, trying to attract their mate with loud songs. In the Danube Delta, the Great reed warbler can be found in areas with dense reed-beds along canals and lakes.

What it feeds on Great reed warbler:

The Great reed warbler is an insectivorous bird, feeding on insects, larvae, spiders and other invertebrates found in the dense reed vegetation. Occasionally it may also eat small vertebrates or soft fruits, especially at times when insects are less available. It forages nimbly among the reeds, catching prey with its sharp beak adapted for catching insects.

Threats:

The main threats to the Great reed warbler are the degradation and destruction of its reed habitats, mainly due to human activities such as intensive agriculture, water drainage and pesticide pollution. Climate change is also affecting migration patterns and may reduce available food resources at certain times. In the Danube Delta, uncontrolled tourism activities and infrastructure expansion may also pose a threat to the species.

Ecological role:

The great reed warbler plays an important ecological role in the wetland ecosystems of the Danube Delta, contributing to the natural balance by controlling populations of insects and other invertebrates. Moreover, being a species present throughout the entire nesting period, it ensures and sustains the diversity of these ecosystems by participating in the food chain. Its nests are also temporary refuges for smaller insect species and even other birds.

More information about Acrocephalus arundinaceus:

The great reed warbler is one of the iconic species of the Danube Delta, and its observation and conservation is essential for maintaining the area's biodiversity. In Romania, this species is protected by national and international legislation and is monitored by biodiversity conservation organisations. Observing it in its natural environment provides an authentic experience and an opportunity to better understand the complexity and importance of the Danube Delta's natural habitats.