The Southern Marquesan Reed Warbler bird, scientifically known as Acrocephalus mendanae, is a small passerine bird found only in French Polynesia, specifically on the islands of Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Ua Huka. It belongs to the Acrocephalidae family and is also known as the Mangareva Reed Warbler, Marquesan Reed Warbler or Henderson Reed Warbler.
The Southern Marquesan Reed Warbler is an inconspicuous bird with a grass-green back and light greyish-brown underparts. It has a slender body, long, curved bill, and short tail. Interestingly, the sexes are almost identical in appearance, with only minor differences in bill size and shape and the coloration of the breast.
This bird is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grassland, dense forest, and shrubland. It feeds primarily on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, foraged from the ground and low vegetation, and also on fruit and nectar from flowers.
The Southern Marquesan Reed Warbler has a unique breeding strategy. They are territorial birds and occupy small territories within their preferred habitats. During breeding season, males compete fiercely for prime nesting spots, and the females choose their mates based on the attractiveness of their territories. Both sexes build the nest, which is oval-shaped and composed of grass, fine twigs, bark, and feathers.
This bird has a distinctive song, which is a short and fast-paced trill with a clicking sound at the end. The song is sung by the males primarily during the breeding season to attract females and defend their territories from other males.
Unfortunately, the Southern Marquesan Reed Warbler is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of its limited range, small population size, and habitat loss due to human activity. Conservation efforts are currently underway to protect their habitats and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique and beautiful bird species.