There have been a few reports from Great Britain, including a pair breeding in Cambridgeshire in 1946, but these records have recently been removed from the official list of British birds, being unconvincingly distinguished from sedge warblers or paddyfield warblers.

[4] This passerine bird is a species found in upright aquatic vegetation such as reeds and sedge.

The forehead is flattened, there is a prominent whitish supercilium, grey ear coverts, and the bill is strong and pointed.

The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are more heavily streaked and have markings on the breast.

Its song is softer and more melodious than those of its relatives, and includes phrases reminiscent of the nightingale.