The Henderson Reed Warbler bird, also known by its scientific name Acrocephalus taiti, is a small passerine bird that is endemic to the remote island of Henderson in the South Pacific. It is a member of the Acrocephalidae family, which includes reed warblers and their allies.
The Henderson Reed Warbler bird is distinguished by its olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts, which are heavily streaked with dark-brown markings. It has a long, slightly curved bill and a short tail. The species is sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females have different plumages. While the males have a blackish mask around their eye and throat, the females lack this feature.
The habitat of the Henderson Reed Warbler bird is restricted to the dense vegetation of the island's interior, where it nests in small shrubs and ferns. It is a fruit-eating species that feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
The population of the Henderson Reed Warbler bird is extremely small, estimated to be around 47 individuals as of 2019. The species is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to the loss of habitat from invasive plant species and rodents, which predate on the birds and their eggs. The Henderson Island Restoration Project, a conservation effort aimed at eradicating these invasive species, has shown promise in restoring the habitat of the Henderson Reed Warbler bird and other native wildlife on the island.
The Henderson Reed Warbler bird is an important example of the unique and delicate ecosystems found on remote islands and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these fragile environments. As one of the rarest bird species in the world, its conservation is a critical priority for the scientific community, governments, and conservation organizations.