The Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus Scirpaceus) Breeding in Egypt – A New Evidence?

Stêpniewska K., O¿arowska A. 2012. The Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)breeding in Egypt - a new evidence? Ring 34: 45-50.

To date, the documented breeding range of the Eurasian Reed Warbler in Egypt is limited to the Nile Delta. In March and September 2001 two females with brood patches were caught in the Wadi El Rayan Protected Area (30°19’E, 29°12’N) in the Western Desert of Egypt. These records, if accepted, might shift the southern border of the breeding range of Reed Warblers in Egypt west of the Nile Delta. The two individuals were the only records of breeding Reed Warblers in Wadi El Rayan, suggesting that the breeding population is small. It is possible that the population has been established recently because artificial lakes were created in Wadi El Rayan in 1973. The studies during the breeding season are essential to determine if such probable breeders demonstrate a new, but permanent breeding population or only ephemeral incidents, as well as to collect the data on the number, breeding biology and biometrical characteristics of such local populations at the southern limit of the world breeding range of the Reed Warbler.