Corncrake Calling

Once widespread across Scotland, Corncrake populations have fallen dramatically as farming and agricultural production have intensified. They are now found only on some Scottish islands and in parts of the northwest coast of Scotland, with populations having declined in recent years.

Corncrake Calling includes three key workstreams: building on the longstanding work with farmers and crofters to increase the area under positive land management; engaging and educating the public about the species and the vital role of farming in its survival; advocating for future rural development policies which better support farmers and crofters who farm in a nature and climate-friendly way.

The conservation status of the corncrake remains precarious. Corncrake Calling is essential to ensure the future of this iconic and secretive species in Scotland, protect other wildlife and help preserve the unique culture of rural Scottish communities. Corncrakes are secretive birds with a very loud voice. On arrival into Scotland from Africa the crex-crex call of the males rings out continuously from long vegetation until they attract a mate.

For more information and real-time updates about the project head to our Corncrake Calling community pages.

We need your help. If you’ve seen or heard a corncrake, report it here and upload your photo or audio recording.

• You can log your observations in this simple form here.
• Plus explore the Corncrake Calling interactive observations map as seen below.

RSPB Scotland has been working with crofters and farmers for decades to improve management for Corncrakes and other wildlife and provide support with farmland bird and ecological surveys. Management focuses on, firstly, increasing the area of suitable tall vegetation, ensuring that sufficient cover is available in spring/autumn to conceal Corncrakes and, secondly, delaying the mid-summer mowing date and mowing fields in a Corncrake-friendly way to allow flightless chicks to escape.

These rare birds need sympathetic land management to survive.

Watch the videos below to discover how farmers are innovatively finding Corncrake-friendly methods to preserve habitats for these small birds.