Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus): the biology of a remarkable bird – a review of the recent literature

The Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus is a frequent, yet relatively little-known passerine bird found in wetlands across Eurasia. The species is difficult to study because of its elusive nature and the challenging access to its habitat: old, particularly dense reed patches standing in water. However, a detailed body of knowledge of the species’ natural history, morphology, and behaviour has been gathered over the years, providing insight into the adaptations this unusual bird uses to survive and even thrive under favourable conditions. In 2023, BirdLife Hungary named the Bearded Reedling as the ‘bird of the year’. In light of this notable designation, this article provides an overview of research advances on some of the unique characteristics of the Bearded Reedling, focusing on the factors that affect their population dynamics and potential conservation management strategies to protect the species.