Fears for corncrakes as poll shows new declines

One of Scotland’s rarest breeding birds is under increasing threat of extinction after a new survey revealed a dramatic drop in numbers for the third year in a row.

The latest count of corncrakes shows a decline of 17 per cent in the past year and 33 per cent since 2014. Only 866 calling males were recorded this year, down from a high of 1,289 three years ago.

Conservationists fear the species could vanish from Scotland if nothing is done.

Paul Walton, head of habitats and species for RSPB Scotland, said: “There is a great opportunity here for the Scottish Government to take decisive positive action and work with conservation organisations in designing a future scheme, not only to help corncrakes but also to support crofters and farmers deliver as many benefits as possible for our country’s incredible wildlife.”