Crex crex

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

Bibliography

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	GRUIFORMES	RALLIDAE

Scientific Name:

Crex crex

Species Authority:

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Name/s:

English	–	Corncrake, Corn Crake
French	–	Râle des genêts

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Least Concern ver 3.1

Year Published:

2010

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Burfield, I., Symes, A., Butchart, S.

Contributor/s:

Kirwan, G., Delov, V., Kamp, J., Baha El Din, S., Eken, G., Szabó, Z., Decueninck, B., Demeter, L., Elts, J., Green, R., Papp, T., Koffijberg, K., Ellermaa, M., Sandor, A., Donaghy, A., Oien, I., Pomeroy, D., Walton, P., Sultanov, E., Folvik, A., Flade, M., Lehtiniemi, T., Schäffer, N., Inderwildi, E., Mischenko, A., Demko, M., Keiss, O., Ibrahim, W.

Justification:
Data from ongoing (albeit modest) monitoring in Russia (which holds the vast majority of the global population) indicate that the predicted declines have not taken place and that numbers have remained stable since 2002 or are even increasing. Whilst it is difficult to accurately predict future trends owing to the species's extensive range and differing climatic and agricultural conditions in different regions, it is thought that populations in key parts of the range in Russia and Kazakhstan are unlikely to change dramatically in the near future. The species has consequently been reclassified as Least Concern because global population declines approaching 30% (predicted in 2004) have not taken place, and there is little evidence to suggest that they will do so in the next 11 years (three generations). The reclassification has taken place on the basis of improved knowledge of the species's global extinction risk, as opposed to a genuine recovery to favourable conservation status across its range. The species remains a high conservation priority in significant parts of its range (at both national and regional levels), and continued conservation interventions, research and monitoring are essential. Evidence of a downturn in its fortunes or adequately documented projections of imminent rapid declines would warrant a further review of its status.

History:

2008	–	Near Threatened
2006	–	Near Threatened
2004	–	Near Threatened
2000	–	Vulnerable
1996	–	Vulnerable
1994	–	Vulnerable

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Crex crex breeds in Europe and central Asia, as far east as western China, and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. There were recently estimated to be 1.3-2 million breeding pairs in Europe (including 1-1.5 million pairs in European Russia)⁶, higher than the 1.1-1.8 million pairs in Europe previously estimated², which were in turn significantly higher than the 92,000-233,000 estimated in 1996, the difference resulting from the completion of the first systematic surveys of national populations in eastern Europe and Russia. A further 515,000-1,240,000 pairs are estimated for Asiatic Russia², yielding a global total of 1.815-3.24 million pairs and 5.45-9.72 million individuals. Given the high level of uncertainty in some of the breeding estimates and the apparent scarcity of the species in its non-breeding areas in sub-Saharan Africa, the total population may fall at the lower end of this range; even in the low millions. Whilst some of these populations may be increasing, population trends are unclear and often show large fluctuations⁹ in response to changes in agricultural practices or annual rainfall¹⁴. Historically, most west European range states have seen major declines, which continued in some countries during 1990-2000 but were reversed elsewhere⁶. The population in the UK recently increased, from 480 calling males in 1993 to 1,245 calling males in 2007, in response to conservation action^9,15, although numbers have since dipped to 1,098 in 2009²¹. Many western European states have observed a partial recovery since 1997, but dominated by large fluctuations⁹. In Finland the population in 2003-2008 averaged around five times that in the 1990s²². Monitoring since 2002 in 13 regions and republics in Russia (which holds the vast majority of the global population) indicates that numbers have remained stable or are even increasing (with some fluctuations due to extreme weather)²⁰. Whilst it is difficult to accurately predict future trends owing to the species's extensive range, and differing climatic and agricultural conditions in different regions, it is thought that populations in key parts of the range in Russia and Kazakhstan are unlikely to change dramatically in the near future, although agricultural intensification and abandonment may drive some regional declines, and the species's conservation status in much of the western part of its range remains unfavourable.
Countries:	Native: Albania; Algeria; Armenia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Bahrain; Belarus; Belgium; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; China; Congo; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Egypt; Estonia; Ethiopia; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Iraq; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Latvia; Lebanon; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of; Malawi; Mauritania; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Netherlands; Norway; Oman; Palestinian Territory, Occupied; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; Russian Federation; Russian Federation; Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Africa; Spain; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Syrian Arab Republic; Tajikistan; Tanzania, United Republic of; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; Uzbekistan; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe Vagrant: Afghanistan; Angola; Bermuda; Botswana; Cameroon; Chad; Côte d'Ivoire; Eritrea; Gabon; Ghana; Greenland; Iceland; Lesotho; Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; Mali; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Saint Pierre and Miquelon; Seychelles; Somalia; Uganda; Viet Nam Present - origin uncertain: Guinea
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	BirdLife International (2004) estimated 1.3-2 million breeding pairs in Europe (including 1-1.5 million pairs in European Russia). This is higher than the 1.1-1.8 million pairs in Europe previously estimated by Schäffer and Mammen 1999). A further 515,000-1,240,000 pairs are estimated for Asiatic Russia (Schäffer and Mammen 1999), yielding a global total of 1.815-3.24 million pairs and 5.45-9.72 million individuals. Given the high level of uncertainty in some of the breeding estimates and the apparent scarcity of the species in its non-breeding areas in sub-Saharan Africa, the total population may fall at the lower end of this range; even in the low millions.
Population Trend:	Decreasing

Population:

BirdLife International (2004) estimated 1.3-2 million breeding pairs in Europe (including 1-1.5 million pairs in European Russia). This is higher than the 1.1-1.8 million pairs in Europe previously estimated by Schäffer and Mammen 1999). A further 515,000-1,240,000 pairs are estimated for Asiatic Russia (Schäffer and Mammen 1999), yielding a global total of 1.815-3.24 million pairs and 5.45-9.72 million individuals. Given the high level of uncertainty in some of the breeding estimates and the apparent scarcity of the species in its non-breeding areas in sub-Saharan Africa, the total population may fall at the lower end of this range; even in the low millions.

Population Trend:

Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	Behaviour The species is a long-distance migrant¹⁶. It breeds during the months of April-August, with nests generally well separated but sometimes only 20-55m apart from one another¹⁷. It is sequentially polygynous, with some males moving a considerable distance to new singing areas⁷. A male's territory may encompass several nests¹⁷, and local concentrations of breeding birds therefore sometimes occur¹⁷. The species normally produces two broods per year. It begins to leave its breeding grounds in August, with a peak in September¹⁸, and arrives on its African wintering grounds in November-December¹⁸. It migrates at night, travelling at low altitude¹⁶. During migration it sometimes travels in pairs¹⁸, occasionally forming groups of around 20-40 individuals¹⁷, and diurnally resting flocks may contain several hundred birds¹⁷. It occurs solitarily during the non-breeding season, individual birds holding territories of 4-9ha¹⁷. The return migration begins in late February or March, and the breeding grounds are occupied from mid-April¹⁸. Habitat Breeding The species breeds in open or semi-open habitats, mainly meadows with tall grass. The original breeding habitat would almost certainly have been riverine meadows of Carex-Iris-Typhoides and alpine, coastal and fire-created grasslands with few trees or bushes present⁷. The species is now strongly associated with agricultural grassland managed for the production of hay¹. Suitable habitats include moist, unfertilised grassland and regularly cut meadows in areas of low-intensity agriculture where vegetation grows tall in summer. Across its European range, hay or silage fields in valleys liable to flooding seem of most importance, but birds also breed in hay and silage fields in subalpine areas. Wetlands and marsh edges may act as important refuges when drier habitats are unsuitable. Males are also found singing in clear-cuts in forest, pastures and young conifer plantations. Singing males can regularly be heard in fertilised meadows or fields sown with cereals, but successful reproduction here is thought to be infrequent². In Bulgaria radio tracking showed that the two broods are produced in different locations, the second brood at a significantly higher altitude than the first one, thus benefiting from delayed vegetation development and later hay mowing at higher altitudes¹⁹. It avoids very marshy areas, standing water, river and lake margins and open ground with rocks, stones and gravel¹⁶, and also those areas with a thick layer of dead grass or very dense vegetation above 50cm tall¹⁸. Adults move to areas of high herbage along ditches to moult after breeding¹⁷: embankments or fallow areas adjacent to the breeding habitat are very important as moulting sites¹⁷. Non-breeding During migration it occurs in a variety of habitats including wheat fields and on golf courses¹⁷. In the wintering grounds dry grassland and savanna are preferred with birds also occurring in rank grass near rivers, sewage ponds and pools and in relatively short grass in wetter areas, moist sedgebeds and reedbeds and in tall grass within young conifer plantations¹. It also occurs in Eragrostis hayfields, old land and pastures, maize fields bounded by grass, fallow and abandoned cultivation uncut grass on airfields, and the edges of sugarcane¹. It occurs where vegetation is between 30cm and 2m in height, and often in areas that are burnt during the dry season¹⁷. Diet It feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, including taxa living on plants, on the soil surface and in the soil⁷. It takes a large number and wide variety of insects¹⁸, as well as snails and slugs, arachnids, millipedes, earthworms, young frogs, green parts of plants, young shoots and seeds and possibly even small mammals and birds¹⁸. Breeding site The nest is on the ground in dense vegetation and is constructed from dead stems and leaves⁷. Often surrounding stems are pulled over the top to form a loose canopy¹⁶. The average clutch-size is c.10 eggs and two broods may be raised per season⁷.
Systems:	Terrestrial; Freshwater

Habitat and Ecology:

Behaviour The species is a long-distance migrant¹⁶. It breeds during the months of April-August, with nests generally well separated but sometimes only 20-55m apart from one another¹⁷. It is sequentially polygynous, with some males moving a considerable distance to new singing areas⁷. A male's territory may encompass several nests¹⁷, and local concentrations of breeding birds therefore sometimes occur¹⁷. The species normally produces two broods per year. It begins to leave its breeding grounds in August, with a peak in September¹⁸, and arrives on its African wintering grounds in November-December¹⁸. It migrates at night, travelling at low altitude¹⁶. During migration it sometimes travels in pairs¹⁸, occasionally forming groups of around 20-40 individuals¹⁷, and diurnally resting flocks may contain several hundred birds¹⁷. It occurs solitarily during the non-breeding season, individual birds holding territories of 4-9ha¹⁷. The return migration begins in late February or March, and the breeding grounds are occupied from mid-April¹⁸. Habitat Breeding The species breeds in open or semi-open habitats, mainly meadows with tall grass. The original breeding habitat would almost certainly have been riverine meadows of Carex-Iris-Typhoides and alpine, coastal and fire-created grasslands with few trees or bushes present⁷. The species is now strongly associated with agricultural grassland managed for the production of hay¹. Suitable habitats include moist, unfertilised grassland and regularly cut meadows in areas of low-intensity agriculture where vegetation grows tall in summer. Across its European range, hay or silage fields in valleys liable to flooding seem of most importance, but birds also breed in hay and silage fields in subalpine areas. Wetlands and marsh edges may act as important refuges when drier habitats are unsuitable. Males are also found singing in clear-cuts in forest, pastures and young conifer plantations. Singing males can regularly be heard in fertilised meadows or fields sown with cereals, but successful reproduction here is thought to be infrequent². In Bulgaria radio tracking showed that the two broods are produced in different locations, the second brood at a significantly higher altitude than the first one, thus benefiting from delayed vegetation development and later hay mowing at higher altitudes¹⁹. It avoids very marshy areas, standing water, river and lake margins and open ground with rocks, stones and gravel¹⁶, and also those areas with a thick layer of dead grass or very dense vegetation above 50cm tall¹⁸. Adults move to areas of high herbage along ditches to moult after breeding¹⁷: embankments or fallow areas adjacent to the breeding habitat are very important as moulting sites¹⁷. Non-breeding During migration it occurs in a variety of habitats including wheat fields and on golf courses¹⁷. In the wintering grounds dry grassland and savanna are preferred with birds also occurring in rank grass near rivers, sewage ponds and pools and in relatively short grass in wetter areas, moist sedgebeds and reedbeds and in tall grass within young conifer plantations¹. It also occurs in Eragrostis hayfields, old land and pastures, maize fields bounded by grass, fallow and abandoned cultivation uncut grass on airfields, and the edges of sugarcane¹. It occurs where vegetation is between 30cm and 2m in height, and often in areas that are burnt during the dry season¹⁷. Diet It feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, including taxa living on plants, on the soil surface and in the soil⁷. It takes a large number and wide variety of insects¹⁸, as well as snails and slugs, arachnids, millipedes, earthworms, young frogs, green parts of plants, young shoots and seeds and possibly even small mammals and birds¹⁸. Breeding site The nest is on the ground in dense vegetation and is constructed from dead stems and leaves⁷. Often surrounding stems are pulled over the top to form a loose canopy¹⁶. The average clutch-size is c.10 eggs and two broods may be raised per season⁷.

Systems:

Terrestrial; Freshwater

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	Chick mortality due to mechanized mowing and consequent increased predation is considered to be the primary threat in Europe¹¹. Intensification of grassland management and the loss of hay meadows and wetlands are considered as the critical threats to its habitats¹¹. Following privatisation, potential changes to land-use and management of agricultural land in the species's core breeding range in Russia and eastern Europe are also possible threats². Land abandonment temporarily favours the species, but areas become unsuitable as vegetation becomes too dense and scrub develops. Intensified management of hay meadows, or their conversion to arable, is resulting in widespread habitat loss². Across western and central Europe, intensification of grassland management, leading to earlier and rapid mowing of hay and silage, is the main threat⁵. Early mowing and the use of mechanised methods results in the destruction of nests and chicks¹¹. It is a quarry species in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, but hunting pressure is considered low. Illegal hunting of the species during the Common Quail Coturnix coturnix hunting season has been reported from Bulgaria and Croatia, and 0.5-2.7% of the European population may be susceptible to capture in netting set up for C. coturnix in Egypt each autumn. Introduced mammals, such as domestic cats and the American mink Mustela vison, are reported to be predators of the species's nests, in addition to native species. The species may be disturbed by recreational activities and developments, such as motorways¹¹. Late spring floods can reduce local populations by around 50%¹².

Major Threat(s):

Chick mortality due to mechanized mowing and consequent increased predation is considered to be the primary threat in Europe¹¹. Intensification of grassland management and the loss of hay meadows and wetlands are considered as the critical threats to its habitats¹¹. Following privatisation, potential changes to land-use and management of agricultural land in the species's core breeding range in Russia and eastern Europe are also possible threats². Land abandonment temporarily favours the species, but areas become unsuitable as vegetation becomes too dense and scrub develops. Intensified management of hay meadows, or their conversion to arable, is resulting in widespread habitat loss². Across western and central Europe, intensification of grassland management, leading to earlier and rapid mowing of hay and silage, is the main threat⁵. Early mowing and the use of mechanised methods results in the destruction of nests and chicks¹¹. It is a quarry species in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, but hunting pressure is considered low. Illegal hunting of the species during the Common Quail Coturnix coturnix hunting season has been reported from Bulgaria and Croatia, and 0.5-2.7% of the European population may be susceptible to capture in netting set up for C. coturnix in Egypt each autumn. Introduced mammals, such as domestic cats and the American mink Mustela vison, are reported to be predators of the species's nests, in addition to native species. The species may be disturbed by recreational activities and developments, such as motorways¹¹. Late spring floods can reduce local populations by around 50%¹².

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway CMS (Bonn Convention) Appendix II. Bern Convention Appendix II. EU Birds Directive Annex I. The species is legally protected from hunting in most of the countries in its breeding range¹¹. Conservation measures have been taken in 14 European range states. National action plans have been prepared in Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, UK, and Slovakia. Appropriate habitat management techniques have been researched, and local repeat surveys in Russia show relative stability of the population¹⁴. A European action plan was published in 1996 and a revised version published in 2006¹¹, and a Corncrake Conservation Team was established in 1998. There is an ongoing reintroduction programme in England, UK¹³. Conservation Actions Proposed Monitor numbers through regular coordinated surveys, and improve monitoring in key countries (e.g. Russia, Belarus)^8,11. Monitor habitat condition and extent^8,11. Ensure that agri-environmental measures for the species in the EU are well targeted and implemented, and focus on mowing date and methods suitable for the species. Increase the area of suitable habitat with protected status. Restore lost habitat where possible. Conduct further research into the species's ecology and demography¹¹. Work with farmers and land managers to ensure that traditional farming methods are retained, areas of grass are left uncut and harvest times are delayed⁸. Monitor levels of illegal trapping and hunting¹¹. Lobby governments in remaining countries where it is not protected to afford the species legal protection¹¹.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
CMS (Bonn Convention) Appendix II. Bern Convention Appendix II. EU Birds Directive Annex I. The species is legally protected from hunting in most of the countries in its breeding range¹¹. Conservation measures have been taken in 14 European range states. National action plans have been prepared in Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, UK, and Slovakia. Appropriate habitat management techniques have been researched, and local repeat surveys in Russia show relative stability of the population¹⁴. A European action plan was published in 1996 and a revised version published in 2006¹¹, and a Corncrake Conservation Team was established in 1998. There is an ongoing reintroduction programme in England, UK¹³.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor numbers through regular coordinated surveys, and improve monitoring in key countries (e.g. Russia, Belarus)^8,11. Monitor habitat condition and extent^8,11. Ensure that agri-environmental measures for the species in the EU are well targeted and implemented, and focus on mowing date and methods suitable for the species. Increase the area of suitable habitat with protected status. Restore lost habitat where possible. Conduct further research into the species's ecology and demography¹¹. Work with farmers and land managers to ensure that traditional farming methods are retained, areas of grass are left uncut and harvest times are delayed⁸. Monitor levels of illegal trapping and hunting¹¹. Lobby governments in remaining countries where it is not protected to afford the species legal protection¹¹.

Bibliography [top]

	Barnes, K. N. 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg. BirdLife International. 2004. Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge, U.K. Cramp, S.; Simmons, K. E. L. 1980. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The birds of the western Palearctic vol II: hawks to bustards. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. Crockford, N.; Green, R.; Rocamora, G.; Schäffer, N.; Stowe, T.; Williams, G. 1996. Action plan for the Corncrake (Crex crex) in Europe. In: Heredia, B.; Rose, L.; Painter, M. (ed.), Globally threatened birds in Europe: action plans, pp. 205-243. Council of Europe and BirdLife International, Strasbourg. del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. Doga Dernegi. 2006. Baseline survey of breeding Corncrakes at Posof, North-east Turkey, 2006. Final project report. Donaghy, A. 2007. Corncrakes: a lot done, more to do. Wings 46: 26-27. Green, R. E.; Rocamora, G.; Schäffer, N. 1997. Population, ecology and threats to the Corncrake Crex crex in Europe. Vogelwelt 118: 117-134. Koffijberg, K.; Schaffer, N. 2006. International single species action plan for the conservation of the Corncrake Crex crex. CMS/AEWA, Bonn, Germany. Mischenko, A. 2003. Continuation of Corncrake Monitoring in European Russia. Newbery, P. 2006. The Corncrake re-introduction project in the UK. Re-introduction News: 43-44. Niemann, S. 1995. RSPB, Sandy, UK. RSPB. 2010. Slender-billed Curlew. Available at: #http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/projects/details.asp?id=198450#. Schäffer, N.; Mammen, U. 1999. Proceedings of the International Corncrake Workshop 1998. Taylor, B.; van Perlo, B. 1998. Rails: a guide to the rails, crakes, gallinules and coots of the world. Pica Press, Robertsbridge, UK.

Barnes, K. N. 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg.

BirdLife International. 2004. Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge, U.K.

Cramp, S.; Simmons, K. E. L. 1980. Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The birds of the western Palearctic vol II: hawks to bustards. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.

Crockford, N.; Green, R.; Rocamora, G.; Schäffer, N.; Stowe, T.; Williams, G. 1996. Action plan for the Corncrake (Crex crex) in Europe. In: Heredia, B.; Rose, L.; Painter, M. (ed.), Globally threatened birds in Europe: action plans, pp. 205-243. Council of Europe and BirdLife International, Strasbourg.

del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain.

Doga Dernegi. 2006. Baseline survey of breeding Corncrakes at Posof, North-east Turkey, 2006. Final project report.

Donaghy, A. 2007. Corncrakes: a lot done, more to do. Wings 46: 26-27.

Green, R. E.; Rocamora, G.; Schäffer, N. 1997. Population, ecology and threats to the Corncrake Crex crex in Europe. Vogelwelt 118: 117-134.

Koffijberg, K.; Schaffer, N. 2006. International single species action plan for the conservation of the Corncrake Crex crex. CMS/AEWA, Bonn, Germany.

Mischenko, A. 2003. Continuation of Corncrake Monitoring in European Russia.

Newbery, P. 2006. The Corncrake re-introduction project in the UK. Re-introduction News: 43-44.

Niemann, S. 1995. RSPB, Sandy, UK.

RSPB. 2010. Slender-billed Curlew. Available at: #http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/projects/details.asp?id=198450#.

Schäffer, N.; Mammen, U. 1999. Proceedings of the International Corncrake Workshop 1998.

Taylor, B.; van Perlo, B. 1998. Rails: a guide to the rails, crakes, gallinules and coots of the world. Pica Press, Robertsbridge, UK.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2010. Crex crex. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 21 May 2012.
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