Crex crex - Corn Crake
Feather characters. Barbules are extremely short (0.4-0.6 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and (partly) pigmented internodes. The amount of pigment in the internodes is variable. Stippled pigment may be found in distal internodes. Vase-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (24-28 per mm), abruptly decreasing in size distally. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Prongs are absent. Occasionally some minute prongs may be found on distal end of barbules.
Field characters. Size 27-30 cm. Weight: male 90 g (76-111), female 103 g (81-122) (Dunning, 1993). Very difficult to observe due to its secretive, nocturnal behaviour. In spring, presence is usually detected through unmistakable note of the male. Upperparts grey-brown, with brown-black centres to the feathers forming lines on mantle and scapulars; face and throat blue-grey, with brown lores and upper cheeks; flanks and undertail barred reddish-brown. Bright chestnut wings conspicuous in flight. Juvenile difficult to separate but with upperparts paler and underparts whiter.
Voice. In the breeding season, male produces a loud, grating, rasping "arrp arrp", repeated for long periods of time, mostly at dusk and through the night.
Distribution. Local and scarce summer visitor. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. In the breeding season chiefly in various kinds of grassland and young cereal crops.
Food. Mainly small invertebrates (especially insects); to a lesser extent also plant material, slugs, and snails. Food is taken from the ground or off plants.