Identification

12-13cm. The Moustached Warbler is quite similar to Sedge Warbler, yet distinctive when seen well. Is marginally larger and more compact. Often hops on ground or near water, frequently flicks tail and raises it slightly. Differs from Sedge Warbler in: short primary projection (at most a third of tertials, two-thirds on Sedge): whiter supercilium, which is squarer-ended and broader at rear; more uniformly dark crown (can appear unstreaked brownish-black in field) and cheeks, lower edge of cheeks with hint of narrow black moustachial stripe; reddish-brown tone in fresh plumage (spring), especially on rump, nape, neck- and breast-sides; whiter underparts (not buffy yellow-white).

Description

In Hungary the Moustached Warbler breeds in small number in large reed-mace beds and extensive, reed beds with reed-mace. The breeding population concentrates at Lake Fertő, Lake Velence, The Kis-Balaton, The Kiskunság and the Hortobágy. The Hungarian population has been slightly decreasing during the past few years, despite the increasing tendency in certain regions such as the Hortobágy. Migrant. Arrives early in spring (first half of March), whereas autumn migration lasts from mid-August until the end of October. During these periods it appears in reedbeds where it otherwise does not breed.