The Nauru reed warbler (Acrocephalus rehsei) is the only passerine land-bird that breeds on the island of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. It is related to other Micronesian reed warblers, all of which evolved from one of several radiations of the genus across the Pacific. Related warblers on nearby islands include the Carolinian reed warbler, with which the Nauru species was initially confused, and the nightingale reed warbler. A medium-sized warbler, the Nauru reed warbler has dark brown upperparts, cream underparts and a long, thin beak. It makes a low, cup-shaped nest into which it lays two or three white eggs, and it feeds on insects. It is found throughout Nauru, whose environment has changed substantially in recent decades due to phosphate mining. The Nauru reed warbler is potentially threatened by introduced predators and habitat loss, and its small range leaves the species vulnerable to diseases and tropical cyclones. Reports of a similar warbler from nearby islands suggest that the Nauru reed warbler may have been eradicated from those islands by introduced cats. (Full article...)

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