Number of corncrakes in Scotland increases for first time in five years

The number of rare corncrake birds in Scotland has risen for the first time in five years, according to a wildlife charity.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland’s annual survey recorded 870 calling male corncrakes, compared to 828 last year.

The charity says the figure takes the numbers of corncrakes in Scotland back to levels not seen since 2019 (867) and it marks an “important result” in efforts to save the birds.

Corncrakes are small brown birds which spend the winter months in Congo but migrate back to a few places in Scotland to breed.

They are recorded by counting the number of calling male birds making the distinctive “crex crex” noise at night during the breeding season.

The rise has been attributed to partnership working in corncrake areas with local communities, which the charity says has increased the quality and quantity of suitable habitats and corncrake-friendly land management practices.

The islands of Coll, Tiree and Lewis – where land management is in place to make the environment welcoming to corncrakes – have all seen significant increases in the number of males heard this year.

Over winter, vegetation corridors of irises, nettles and cow parsley are encouraged to grow by controlling how they are grazed by livestock, usually using fences, and spreading manure. The birds use these as cover from predators to move about and hide in.

In summer, later mowing dates are required to ensure their nests and chicks are not destroyed.

RSPB Scotland director Anne McCall said the result this year “brings hope of a turning point”.

“While we need to see sustained rises year on year to reverse the decline in corncrake numbers, this year’s result of 870 brings hope of a turning point.

“It shows that targeting the quality and quantity of corncrake-friendly habitat and land management yields results.

“Corncrakes only live for a couple of years, so it’s vital that as many chicks as possible survive each year to make their great migration south.

“These birds used to be found across the UK, so these few areas in Scotland are very special.

“Corncrake calling has allowed us to really focus our efforts with these communities to safeguard their future here and shows the collaborative approach needed across the country to help reverse nature declines.”