ArtikelCorncrakes Crex crex in crops – population dynamics, habitat use and conservation strategy in two intensively managed arable farming areas in The Netherlands and Germany

Breeding Corncrakes are usually associated with herbaceous meadows and floodplain habitats whereas breeding in crops is often considered to be of secondary importance. Here, we present data for two regions where nationally relevant breeding populations of Corncrakes are found in crop-dominated, intensively managed agricultural landscapes: Oldambt in the Netherlands (2007-2015 3–70 calling males, up to 188 in 2003) and Hellwegbörde in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany (2007–2015 4–60 calling males). Calling Corncrakes were present annually, but abundance was subject to large annual fluctuations.