Crex crex
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.
Length
22cm to 30cm
Wingspan
42cm to 53cm
Weight
125g to 210g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
Grey Black
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pale Brown
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 3,000 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Corncrake. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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