Branta Issues > Issue №2 (1999)

Status of Blyth’s Reed Warbler in the North-Western part of Ukraine

Nadtochiy A.S.

Ten records of Blyth s Reed Warbler (Acroceplialus dumetonim) are known from the Kharkov region during period of 1990-1998. Breeding of this species was proved. One nearly completed nest was found on 22 May 1990 in the flood-lands of Uda river (Kharkov region, v.Pesochin). The first egg was laid on 23 May. On 3 June the clutch consisted of 6 eggs. Size characteristics (mm) of the nest were the following: outer diameter- 86, inner diameter 64, height of the nest – 63, depth of the nest – 56. Size characteristics (limits, nun) of the eggs were 1.91-1.95 x 1.42-1.47, mass was 1.71-1.99 g. Uncompleted nest was found on 29 May 1994 in the Zmiev district, near v. Gaydary. Another nest was found on 5 June 1994 in the same area (with 5 nestlings at the age of one day). Four singing males were observed on 26 May 1998 in the central park and some botanical gardens of Kharkov. These observations confirm the status of Blyth s Reed Warbler in the NW Ukraine as a scarce breeder.