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06 November 2015

Indian Reed Warblers and Great Reed Warblers – Sabkhat Al Fasl

Some of the commonest birds caught at Sabkhat Al Fasl are Indian Reed Warblers that are a common resident breeding species. The similar looking Great Reed Warbler is an uncommon passage migrant but during the peak period of September to October reasonable numbers of this species are also caught. This gives a good opportunity to study the birds side by side and take photos of them as well. During last weekends ringing we caught both species at the same time and below are a few photos of them in the hand. Great Reed Warbler is much longer winged and has a thrush like bill compared to the shorter winged Indian Reed Warbler that also has a longer thinner bill. In October adult Indian Reed Warblers are moulting so have fresh wings and tails making them look much darker than the worn feathers seen on similar aged Great Reed Warblers.
Indian Reed Warbler (left) & Great Reed Warbler (right)
Indian Reed Warbler (left) & Great Reed Warbler (right)
Great Reed Warbler
Great Reed Warbler
Great Reed Warbler
Great Reed Warbler