Reed Bunting

Habitat: Traditionally, the reed bunting settles in damp and marshy habitats, provided there is a dense layer of herbs and clearly visible perches that can be used as singing posts. Within the marshes, it prefers to occupy rushes (sedges, mat rushes) and purple moor grass vegetation with a few shrubs (willows, alders, myrica gale, etc.) or sparse reed beds and cattail fields. Pure reed beds seem to be occupied only at the edges and then only if there are shrubs or a layer of herbs. In fact, the reed bunting often occurs at the edge of marsh vegetation and dry biotopes (heath, meadow). The species also breeds along rivers, drainage channels and ponds.

Appearance: In Europe, a common and widespread resident bird and summer visitor. In Belgium and the Netherlands, numerous to very numerous breeding birds – year-round resident – partially migratory – passage migrant and winter visitor in fairly large numbers.

Breeding season: April – July, nest slightly above the ground, 2 – 5 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 14 cm, wingspan 23 – 25 cm, weight 16.5 – 22 grams, age 11 years.

Food: Insects and seeds.