Nauru Reed-warbler

Nauru Reed-warbler

The Nauru Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus rehsei) is a passerine bird endemic to the island of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of only two native breeding land-birds on Nauru, the other being the Micronesian Pigeon, and it is the only passerine found on the island. It is related to other Micronesian reed warblers, all of which evolved from one of several radiations of the genus across the Pacific. Related warblers on nearby islands include the Carolinian Reed Warbler, with which the Nauru species was initially confused, and the Nightingale Reed Warbler, which was formerly sometimes considered conspecific.

A medium-sized warbler, the Nauru Reed Warbler has dark brown upperparts, cream underparts and a long, thin beak. It makes a low, cup-shaped nest into which it lays two or three white eggs, and it feeds on insects. Other details about the warbler are poorly known. It is found throughout Nauru, which has changed substantially in recent decades due to phosphate mining. The Nauru Reed Warbler is potentially threatened by introduced predators and habitat loss, and its small range means that it could be vulnerable to chance occurrences, such as tropical cyclones. Reports of a similar warbler from nearby islands suggest that it may once have been found elsewhere, but was driven to local extinction by introduced cats.