Corncrake
Crex crex
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
22cm to 30cm
Wingspan
42cm to 53cm
Weight
125g to 210g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
Grey Black
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pale Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
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:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Corncrake demonstrates remarkable agility, capable of swiftly navigating through dense vegetation. Its ability to run at speeds up to 10 km/h through tall grass showcases its nimbleness and dexterity in challenging terrain.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong, the Corncrake possesses adequate strength for its size. Its compact body and strong legs enable it to push through dense vegetation and perform its characteristic rapid running behaviour.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Corncrake exhibits high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from grasslands to farmlands and wetlands. Its ability to adjust to different environments during its long-distance migrations and its capacity to double-clutch when conditions are favourable further demonstrate its adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Corncrakes are generally not aggressive birds. Their secretive nature and preference for avoiding confrontation by running rather than flying suggest a relatively low aggression level. However, males may display territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Corncrake's endurance is noteworthy, particularly considering its long-distance migrations between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Its ability to maintain its distinctive call for hours, especially at night, also indicates considerable stamina.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Crex crex. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22692543A86147127.
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