Common Reed Bunting

The common reed bunting is a medium-sized bird, 13.5–15.5 centimetres long and weighing 10–28 grams, with a small but powerful seed-eating bill. The male has a black head and throat, a white neck collar and underparts, and a heavily barred brown back; his song is a repetitive srip. The female is much duller, with a streaked brown head and more barring underneath. (Wikipedia, general species account)

The species breeds throughout Europe and much of the Palearctic. Most individuals migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west are resident. It is a common sight in reedbeds but also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and arable land. It is monogamous, breeding from early April to late August depending on location and altitude. The nest of twigs, grass and reeds is lined with finer material and set in a bush or reed tussock, holding four or five olive-grey eggs. (Wikipedia, general species account)