Species Profile
Corncrake
Crex crex
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–7 years
Length
22–30 cm
Weight
125–210 g
Wingspan
42–53 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Landrail
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Appearance
The Corncrake is a medium-sized bird with a compact body, short neck, and strong legs. Its plumage is predominantly brown and buff, with black streaks on the upperparts and barred flanks. The wings show chestnut patches in flight.
Both sexes look similar, with males slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller, less defined pattern. The bird's cryptic colouration provides excellent camouflage in tall grass.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Pale Brown
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Corncrakes inhabit tall grass meadows, hay fields, and damp grasslands across Europe and western Asia. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and a mix of wet and dry ground.
During the breeding season, they are found in northern and central Europe, including the UK and Ireland. Their wintering grounds are in sub-Saharan Africa, and birds migrate long distances between seasons.
Distribution
Diet
Corncrakes are omnivorous, feeding primarily on invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, snails, and insects. They also consume plant material, including seeds and tender shoots. Foraging occurs mainly on the ground, with the bird using its bill to probe the soil and vegetation.
Behaviour
Corncrakes are secretive and rarely seen, preferring to run through dense vegetation rather than fly. They are most active at dawn and dusk when males can be heard calling to establish territories and attract mates. During migration, they become more gregarious, often gathering in small groups.
Calls & Sounds
The Corncrake's call is one of the most distinctive among European birds. Males produce a loud, repetitive 'crex-crex' sound reminiscent of two wooden sticks being rubbed together. This call can be heard up to 1 km away and is often repeated for hours, especially at night.
Nesting & Breeding
Corncrakes breed from May to August, and males establish territories through persistent calling. Females are attracted to these calls, and pair formation occurs quickly.
The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, lined with grass and hidden in dense vegetation. Females typically lay 8-12 cream-coloured eggs with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 16-19 days and is carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching. They can fly at about 34-38 days old.
Conservation
Despite its 'Least Concern' status globally, the Corncrake has experienced significant declines in parts of its range, particularly in Western Europe. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and implementing bird-friendly mowing practices in agricultural areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for the distinctive 'crex-crex' call of males at night or early morning
- Look for movement in tall grass or hay meadows
- Visit known breeding sites in late spring or early summer
- Be patient and quiet, as Corncrakes are shy and easily spooked
Did You Know?
- Corncrakes can double-clutch, raising two broods in a single season if conditions are favourable.
- They can run at speeds up to 10 km/h through dense vegetation.
- The species name 'crex' is onomatopoeic, derived from its distinctive call.
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