Translation guide
A small migratory songbird found in reed beds. In Japanese, the most common species is the Oriental reed warbler, known as ヨシキリ. Other related species have specific names.
reed warbler (general)
The typical reed warbler found in Japan, a brownish bird that nests in reed beds and sings loudly.
The standard Japanese name for the Oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis). Often written in katakana as a species name.
In summer, reed warblers sing loudly in the reed beds.
Kanji form of オオヨシキリ, literally 'large reed cutter'. Refers to the same Oriental reed warbler but is less common in everyday use.
The Oriental reed warbler is a common migratory bird in Japan.
Alternate kanji for ヨシキリ, meaning 'reed cutter'. Rarely used; katakana is preferred.
I can hear the reed warbler's song.
Specific names for other Acrocephalus warblers found in Japan or nearby regions.
Black-browed reed warbler (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps). A smaller species with a distinct eyebrow stripe.
The black-browed reed warbler has a clear eyebrow stripe.
Katakana form of Oriental reed warbler, same as ヨシキリ but with the prefix オオ (large). Used in ornithological contexts to distinguish from smaller species.
Gray's grasshopper warbler (Helopsaltes fasciolatus), sometimes grouped with reed warblers in older classifications. Note: this is a different genus but may be encountered in birding contexts.
Gray's grasshopper warbler breeds in Hokkaido.
In Japanese bird guides, reed warblers are usually listed under their katakana names. ヨシキリ without a prefix typically refers to the Oriental reed warbler. If you need to be specific, use オオヨシキリ for the Oriental and コヨシキリ for the black-browed.
Oriental and black-browed reed warblers can sometimes be seen in the same reed bed.