Changes in farmland management throughout the twentieth century, including agricultural intensification and increasing mechanisation, have resulted in the loss of habitat for many species. The Corncrake is one such species that has faced multiple challenges to its survival. Although it was once a common bird throughout northern Europe, the breeding areas of Corncrakes have been steadily reduced to a fraction of what they once were, and in many areas their continuation as a regularly breeding bird is in serious doubt.

In addition, the behaviour of the Corncrake, nesting under the cover of tall grass and undertaking annual long-distance migrations, means that for most of the last hundred years, its detailed ecology has remained mysterious and little understood. Although there have been millions of words written about the Corncrake in scientific papers, until now there has been no full-length book that attempts to capture all the aspects of its ecology, and to present this information to non-specialists. As a result, until very recently, many important facts about its lifestyle and behaviour have not been widely known, even among ornithologists.

Although scarcely seen in its natural habitat, the Corncrake is well-known in many rural areas due to its characteristic (and persistent) night-time calling, but new discoveries with the aid of acoustic science have proved surprising, and may offer new ways of improving the location, identification, and management options to protect and enable the population of this iconic species to recover, even to thrive in our countryside. A new appreciation of the requirements of this species and the ways in which our sensitive management of the whole landscape, both in its potential breeding areas across Europe and Asia and in the seasonal quarters in regions of Africa, offer new hope for the future of this fascinating bird.

This will be essential and enlightening reading for all ornithologists and everyone with an interest in birds, wildlife, conservation and the natural world.

‘…has done a great job bringing together all the written material about this species… Birdwatching

‘…is a remarkable book. …does an amazing job of peeling back the lid on what is known about the Corncrake. …is well written in an accessible style that ensures it will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to know more about this bird… This is an important book that deserves to be widely read…’ Undiscovered Scotland

‘…the account of a remarkable and little-seen species. …the wealth of knowledge captured here… making it 100% accessible to the lay reader’. Fatbirder

'...a well-balanced, beautifully researched book that is also very readable. ...A book that is a joy to read...' Hon. Chairman, British Naturalists’ Association

'A MUST have for anyone with an interest in this species!' The Birdbooker Report

‘...the first comprehensive and accessible account of this fascinating bird. He covers all aspects... There’s detail too. Diagrams with waveforms and sonograms represent the syllables and frequencies of a corncrake’s call’. Scottish Islands Explorer

'Extremely well referenced, while still being highly readable, Frank Rennie’s book provides a fascinating account of the Corncrake... I’d definitely recommend this book for anyone with an interest in this enigmatic bird.' British Trust for Ornithology                               

‘...it does not disappoint. ... It was both interesting and comprehensive, and would be of particular use for habitat managers... This well-written and researched book is easy to read for both expert and beginner alike... ...is an excellent resource detailing the ecology of this amazing bird’. IBIS

'The body of this study is a comprehensive exploration of all, that is known about the species - based both on his observations (as far as this reclusive creature allows itself to be observed) and on his exhaustive research of pretty well everything has ever been written or said about the species, stretching back to the 18th century and before. In conclusion, plaudits to Alice Macmillan for the exquisite front-cover illustration, to those who have contributed photographs and to the publishers for their high production and printing values.' RSPB Book Club

'Prof Rennie does not pretend to have discovered all the answers, but he has come up with many precious insights about the species... He also explores how best we can seek to conserve a species with what probably remains a very uncertain future and how 'corncrake tourism' might also contribute to its welfare. This excellent book is the latest ornithological title from a go-ahead Scottish publishing house.' The Heron

'...has provided me with useful references and rewarding reading. ...is likely to be the definitive monograph on the corncrake for decades to come. Like the corncrake, this book ranges far, not least in the breadth of research, both of science and cultural links. More than 700 reference works underpin the scholarship here, but dinna feart, the book is both a superb work of reference and a very good read. Another classic from the Rennie croft.' Northwords

'...a detailed insight into this fascinating bird, of which there is much to be learned... .' Dè tha Dol

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