There were only 824 male corncrakes recorded in Scotland this past summer – down from 850 last year – according to this year’s bird survey.

The numbers have been falling since 2014 when there was a record high of 1289 male birds in the country. To count the birds, surveyors listen out for the distinctive ‘crex crex’ call of the males across 16 different counties in Scotland to information of their population. The count is conducted throughout summer as the migratory bird spends its winter in Africa.

The falling numbers have not been uniform across the country, with Skye recording a rise from 10 to 14 male birds in the last year, thanks in part to the Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership (SCCP).

To help birds reproduce, crofters and farmers delay mowing and leaving uncut areas of grassland on field margins to provide cover; curtail grazing to preserve areas of tall vegetation in spring and summer to allow them to nest and raise broods; and establish clumps of tall plants, such as iris, nettles, meadowsweet, cow parsley or hogweed, as protective cover.

Read more: Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust calls for survey

Janette Sutherland, agricultural consultant with SAC Consulting and who facilitates the SCCP, said: “The support to crofters and farmers through agri-environment schemes over the past 25 years has been key to the survival of the UK corncrake population and it is critical that we maintain and build on this hard work.

“The corncrake population in Skye is instrumental in expanding its geographical range to mainland areas, such as Lochalsh and Glenelg, so this small increase in numbers is a positive sign. With such a small population, working in partnership is vitally important to their future survival.”

While the Inner Hebrides saw a rise of 3.7%, compared to 2021, this was offset by decreases in other areas, including the Outer Hebrides that saw a large 10.1% fall.