Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum). A fairly frequent passage 
migrant, frequently associated with acacia, though migrant birds are not habi- 
tat specific. A single bird in May 1994 was later found shot, while in 
September 1984 an individual was exceptionally tame and confiding. 
Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). A common, fairly widespread passage 
migrant at times extremely numerous eg. May 1993. Forages at all levels, par- 
ticularly in acacia on migration. Listed as accidental (Cramp 1992). 
Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). A fairly scarce but regular passage 
migrant, in some years with singing males concentrated in favoured locations 
such as Jahra Pool. Breeding at present not confirmed. Most individuals exam- 
ined in May 1994 can be safely attributed to the race fuscus. Conversely birds 
present at Jahra Pool in 1993 were very rufescent by comparison and some 
engaged in aerial chases through the reed beds, against the background of 
several males in full song. Interestingly, video of the fuscus birds revealed pale 
webs to the outer tail feathers, inviting confusion with Booted Warbler 
Hippolais caligata in atypical habitat. 
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus). A widespread and regular 
passage migrant especially in late sprmg, often in the company of A arundi- 
naceus. Probably less frequent in autumn but more confirmation of this is 
needed. The writer admits to some confusion between A s. brunnescens and A 
arundinaceus griseldis in the past, but the darker examples of A stentoreus have 
never been suspected in Kuwait. 
Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). A widespread and abundant 
passage migrant in both spring and autumn. It has wintered, with singing 
males encountered in most months except July and August. There is no con- 
clusive evidence of breeding in Kuwait and there appears to be little subspe- 
cific variation. The Basra Reed Warbler A a. griseldis is listed for Kuwait, as the 
close proximity of the Iraq marshes to Kuwait might suggest. The author 
would not like to speculate on what impact the Gulf War and drainage 
schemes currently in progress will have on the occurrence of A a. griseldis in 
Kuwait. An example of A a. griseldis examined by the writer had an almost 
identical wing shape and coloration to the nominate race, but the primary pro- 
jection was 20 mm on griseldis as opposed to 32 mm on arundinaceus. The dif- 
ference in size was not immediately apparent in the field, hence the possible 
confusion with the structurally similar A s. brunnescens. 
Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida). Present in small numbers in favoured 
acacia habitat with at least three singing males into early summer. It does not 
winter regularly, perhaps breeds. 
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