Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
The sedge warbler is a much more varied and energetic singer than its cousin, the reed warbler. It is easily recognised by its more contrasting plumage. Although it lives in wetlands too, it prefers places where reeds mix with shrubs, sedges or tall grass, being less dependent on massive reed beds in water.
It is distinguished by its very broad and obvious white eyebrow, which contrasts with the black-striped crown. The back is brown with black stripes (streaked appearance), and the belly is pale yellow-cream. It is a slender, very active bird.
In the Danube Delta, it occupies the edges of wetlands, floodplains with diverse vegetation, and smaller channels. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa south of the Sahara.
It hunts insects through vegetation, but unlike other warblers, the male has a spectacular nuptial flight: it rises abruptly into the air singing, then descends gliding with wings raised. Its song is a rapid improvisation, including imitations of other birds.
The nest is built near or even on the ground, well hidden in dense vegetation. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs for 12-14 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and become independent very quickly.
Classified as "Least Concern". The Delta population is stable, the species benefiting from the diversity of habitats at the water-land boundary.