Habitat preferences of Corncrake (Crex crex) males in agricultural meadows

A dramatic decline in the Corncrake (Crex crex) population has been observed in Western Europe over the last century. This species is still widespread and occurs at high densities in Eastern and Central Europe. In the present study, we focused on the habitat preferences of Corncrake males in agricultural meadows of Eastern Poland, where large areas are managed by mowing. We counted calling males two times during the same breeding season and noted habitat features within the territory and at the calling location. Our study revealed that Corncrake males were abundant in agricultural meadows. We recorded 59% of the studied populations in meadows which are mowed at least one time during breeding season. We also found differences in the habitat preferences of Corncrakes between the first and second parts of the breeding season. In the first part of the season, when territories are established, males preferred abandoned meadows as the primary habitat type within their territory and as the habitat type of their calling location. The proximity of shrubs or abandoned meadows positively affected the probability of Corncrake occurrence. In the second part of the season, males significantly increased their mean distance from shrubs, ditches and abandoned meadows. Calling places were mainly situated in abandoned or extensively mowed meadows, while extensively mowed meadows was the most common habitat at the larger territory scale. In addition, the distances to the nearest (negatively) and second nearest (positively) neighbours significantly affected the probability of Corncrake occurrence. Regarding the management and protection of Corncrake populations in agricultural meadows, we propose leaving even small uncultivated fragments of meadows around ditches or shrubs as refuges. These uncultivated areas could be sufficient for Corncrakes during the period of territory occupancy. The “Corncrake-friendly” mowing should be done not earlier than after the first hatch and unmowed meadows areas should be left.