Refers to birds of the genus Acrocephalus, especially the great reed warbler (オオヨシキリ) and the black-browed reed warbler (コヨシキリ). Usually written in katakana as ヨシキリ.
In summer, reed warblers sing in the reed beds.
The great reed warbler calls with a loud voice.
Specifically the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), a larger species within the group.
The black-browed reed warbler (Acrocephalus bistrigiceps), a smaller species.
Katakana spelling is common for bird names and matches usual-kana usage.
Kanji form using 葭 (reed) and 切 (cut); rarely used in modern texts.
Variant kanji form with 葦 (reed); also rare.
Kanji form using 雀 (sparrow); historically used but now very rare.
The name likely derives from 葭 (yoshi, 'reed') and 切 (kiri, 'cut'), possibly referring to the bird's habit of cutting reeds or its sharp call. The exact origin is uncertain.