The Latin name for the Corncrake is ‘Crex Crex’, which relates to the sound the male makes.

Corncrakes are listed as Red List Species and as such are of high conservation concern.

Only the male makes the Crek Crek sound.

Corncrakes are nocturnal, mostly singing at night.

Corncrakes can lay up to 14 eggs in a clutch, but between 8 and 12 is more common.

Young Corncrakes can leave the nest within a few hours of hatching, and can feed themselves after a week.

Corncrakes can have two broods in a year.

Once the young have left the nest the male may be heard calling again.

Corncrakes are summer visitors, they return to Africa after the end of the season.

Corncrakes only live about 2 or 3 years, therefore protecting the young is important to the survival of the species.