A response to the comment of Porter et al. (2014) on “Breeding ecology of the Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis (Hartlaub, 1891) in Iraq (Aves: Passeriformes: Acrocephalidae)”

The Basra Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus griseldis) is one of the flagship bird species of Mesopotamia. Before Al-Sheikhly, Nader, and Barbanera (2013), very little was known on the breeding ecology of this species in the southern marshes of Iraq. Al-Sheikhly and co-workers carried out an intensive field research in 2006–2007 and 2011–2012, and produced data on the biology of the Basra Reed Warbler, this representing the first contribution to the conservation of the species in Iraq. In their Comment, Porter et al. (2014) question part of the findings provided by Al-Sheikhly et al. (2013). Nevertheless, Porter et al. do not provide any opposing experimental evidence. In this reply, we disclose in more detail information so as to confirm the reliability of our research. Porter et al. (2014) focus on three issues: (1) gaps in methodology; (2) data anomalies; and (3) acknowledgments. In this Response, we address each of these three issues.