Key information
Corncrakes are related to moorhens, coots and rails but differ from most members of the family in that they live on dry land. Corncrakes are surprisingly small; they are only a little bigger than a blackbird. This Schedule 1 species is very secretive, spending most of its time hidden in tall vegetation, its presence only betrayed by its rasping call.
In flight, their bright chestnut wings and trailing legs are unmistakable. They are summer visitors and migrate to Africa for the winter.
What they eat:
Insects and seeds.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 27-30cm
- Wingspan:
- 46-53cm
- Weight:
- 120-200g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 1,017 calling males
Identifying features:
Corncrake
