Corn Crake
NameCorn Crake
Common NameCorn Crake
Scientific NameCrex crex
FamilyRallidae
Wingspan (cm)49.5
Length (cm)28.5
Weight (g)165
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker markings, while the flanks are rufous. The face and neck are greyish-blue, contrasting with a pale belly. It has a short, stout, pinkish bill.
Vocalization / CallA loud, distinctive, and repetitive rasping 'crex-crex' call, often heard at night or dusk, which gives the bird its scientific name.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Europe and Asia, migrating to Africa for the non-breeding season. Its range has contracted in some western European areas.
Identifying Featuresstreaky brown plumage, grey face and neck, rufous flanks, loud rasping 'crex-crex' call, secretive behavior in tall grass
Description
The Corn Crake is a secretive, medium-sized bird typically found in tall grasslands. It is known for its distinctive, loud rasping call, especially during the breeding season. Despite its elusive nature, it can sometimes be seen briefly as it moves through dense vegetation.
