Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the corn crake in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the corn crake in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the corn crake in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the corn crake’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Corn crake
Scientific name: Crex crex
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: RALLIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Very shy
Minimum approach distance: 50 m
Courtship display: March to April
Incubation: 19–21 jours
Hatchings: March to April
Habitat:
Damp grasslands, tall vegetation and marshy field edges
Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.
Identification and description:
The corn crake is a rail in the family Rallidae, measuring 23–28 cm with cryptically streaked brown plumage and grey legs. It inhabits damp grasslands and tall vegetation, feeding mainly on insects, earthworms and molluscs taken from the ground. During breeding, the male emits a loud, repeated “crek-crek” call both night and day to attract females and defend territory.
Recommended lens:
500 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Set up quietly at the edge of tall grass at dawn or dusk when males are calling. Use silent shooting mode to avoid disturbance and work at ground level to capture its elusive silhouette among the vegetation.
The WildlifePhotographer App is coming soon!
Be the first to explore the best nature spots, track rutting seasons, log your observations, and observe more wildlife.
Already 1 406 wildlife lovers subscribed worldwide