CorncrakeCrex crexWhere and when to see them

The corncrake is a migratory rail that lives in tall grass rather than the conspicuous open shallows associated with many waterbirds. In Scotland, its rasping call is a characteristic but increasingly localized sound of western crofting landscapes. Birds return from sub-Saharan Africa to breed in cover-rich meadows and field margins. Global status masks serious regional declines, and sympathetic mowing practices are essential because nests and flightless young are vulnerable to agricultural machinery.

Size

27–30 cm long

Weight

130–210 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Corncrakes usually move unseen through dense vegetation, slipping between stems with the body held low. Males advertise with a repetitive two-part rasp, often calling for long periods at night. Females build concealed ground nests and raise the chicks, while males may seek additional mates. Adults prefer running to flying when disturbed, but their unobtrusive appearance hides a capacity for long-distance migration between European or Asian breeding grounds and African nonbreeding areas. Adults prefer running to flying when disturbed, but their unobtrusive appearance hides a capacity for long-distance migration between European or Asian breeding grounds and African nonbreeding areas. Males often maintain small territories, moving between several calling posts within their chosen patch of vegetation. Unlike many birds, they are more active vocally during the night, utilizing the cover of darkness to avoid predators.

• The male's call is commonly compared with a comb being scraped.
• Despite its reluctance to fly locally, it migrates to sub-Saharan Africa.
• Females may produce two broods in a favourable breeding season.
• Mowing from the centre of a field outward can help chicks escape into surrounding cover.

May and June are the strongest months for hearing territorial males in Scotland, with some activity extending into July. Calling intensity varies with weather, time and breeding stage. This is a breeding-season listening window, not a promise of seeing birds emerge. Calling intensity varies with weather, time and breeding stage. This is a breeding-season listening window, not a promise of seeing birds emerge. Peak calling activity typically occurs from late evening until dawn, making early morning or late evening excursions most rewarding for detection.

Breeding birds need tall, penetrable vegetation that provides concealment without becoming an impenetrable mat. Scottish habitats include hay meadows, croft fields, nettle patches and iris beds. Coastal farmland can be suitable, but beaches and bare shorelines are not normal viewing habitat. Coastal farmland can be suitable, but beaches and bare shorelines are not normal viewing habitat. Optimal breeding conditions also require a mosaic of different sward heights and densities to support various life stages. Within these areas, they typically favour damp or rushy patches over drier, uniform grasslands.

Corncrakes eat insects, spiders, earthworms, slugs and other small invertebrates found within grassland vegetation or on the soil. Seeds and other plant material also contribute. Chicks initially depend heavily on animal prey, making insect-rich, structurally varied fields especially valuable. Seeds and other plant material also contribute. Chicks initially depend heavily on animal prey, making insect-rich, structurally varied fields especially valuable. During migration, their diet may also incorporate berries and grains to fuel their long journeys.

Common name

Corncrake

Scientific name

Crex crex

Animal group

Birds

Size

27–30 cm long

Weight

130–210 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its chestnut wings, greyish face and dry, repeated rasp distinguish it from the longer-billed water rail and the smaller, spotted crake. Its chestnut wings, greyish face and dry, repeated rasp distinguish it from the longer-billed water rail and the smaller, spotted crake. The adult has distinctive black streaking on its crown and back, contrasting with its plain grey underparts. Juveniles are duller, lacking the strong grey on the face and breast.