This study examines the characteristics of the breeding microhabitats of threeAcrocephalinae(Aves) species inhabiting a marshland surrounding Lake Alserio (NW Italy). A total of 45 territories (24 forAcrocephalus scirpaceus,13 forAcrocephalus arundinaceusand 8 forAcrocephalus palustris)were mapped. In each territory 18 environmental and vegetation variables were measured in 3 to 5 sampling plots in the estimated centre of the territory or in the singing perches of males. Data were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and to Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA). According to PCA, the breeding microhabitats of the species are ordered along the first principal component, which is strongly related to several structural and cover variables. Horizontal overlap of territories was observed forA. scirpaceusandA. arundinaceus,but not between these andA. palustris.Conversely, DFA showed that breeding microhabitat configurations are different forA. arundinaceusas compared withA. scirpaceusandA. palustris,but not completely distinguishable between the last two species. In conclusion, the data suggest thatA. arundinaceusandA. scirpaceushave different ecological requirements and their territories may overlap where the vegetation is suitable for both species. On the other hand,A. scirpaceusandA. palustrishave partially similar ecological requirements, but are horizontally well‐spaced, in agreement with the hypothesis of their interspecific territoriality.