photo by Phil Swanson

Cistothorus palustris
L 5″ (13 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (NGPC audio)

Song is series of loud, rapid, reedy notes and liquid rattles. Call is sharp “chick-chick.”

Description: Sexes similar. Dark brown above, with a solid brown crown and a black triangle on upper back that is streaked with white; bold white eyeline; and underparts that are mostly whitish, may have buffy belly and undertail coverts.

Behavior: Sings day and night during the breeding season.

Habitat: Primarily found in freshwater marshes with extensive tall emergent vegetation such as bulrushes and cattails. Will also nest along banks of slowly flowing brackish tidal marshes.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant across the state, and locally common summer resident north of the Platte River.

Fun Facts: Sings throughout the day and night

Additional Information: Formerly known as the Long-billed Marsh Wren.

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