The RSPB: Corncrake

Corncrake

Listen

1 video

Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player.

Latin name

Crex crex

Family

Rails (Rallidae)

Overview

Corncrakes are related to moorhens, coots and rails but differ from most members of the family because they live on dry land. They are very secretive, spending most of their time hidden in tall vegetation, their presence only betrayed by their rasping call. In flight their bright chestnut wings and trailing legs are unmistakable.

Where to see them

Best looked and listened for on the Western Isles. RSPB reserves at Balranald and Coll provide some of the best opportunities.

When to see them

Arrives from mid-April and leaves again in August and September. Best located by call which can be heard both day and night.

What they eat

Insects and seeds.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	At least 1145 calling males.	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: W Scotland

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)