Rukkirääk

Corncrake (Crex crex)

Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Gruiformes
• Family: Rallidae
• Genus: Crex
• Species: C. crex

Description: The Corncrake, or Landrail, is a small bird known for its distinctive rasping night call during breeding season. It measures 27-30 cm and weighs 150-200 grams. Its brownish plumage with darker streaks provides camouflage in grassy habitats. Underparts are paler grey, and eyes are bright red.

Habitat: Once widespread in Europe and western Asia, Corncrakes now inhabit meadows and tall grasslands. They are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Their presence depends on suitable breeding conditions and habitat availability.

Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, Corncrakes stay hidden in thick vegetation, feeding on insects, invertebrates, seeds, and leaves. Their loud "crex crex" call is vital for mating and territorial defense.

Reproduction: Breeding starts in late April or May. Polygynous males mate with multiple females who lay 8-12 eggs in ground nests. Only females incubate the eggs, which hatch in 18 days. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching but may stay with the mother for up to a month.

Conservation Status: The Corncrake is Near Threatened due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts aim to preserve and restore hay meadows and grasslands.

Significance: The Corncrake indicates the health of grassland ecosystems. Conservation helps protect these habitats, benefiting many species. Declines have led to conservation initiatives and agri-environment schemes across Europe.