Crex crex

• Corn crake chicks become fully independent long before they develop the ability to fly. They gain the ability to fly at 34–38 days old, but leave the nest and forage on their own just 2–3 days after hatching.
• In July–August, the corn crake loses its flight feathers and temporarily loses the ability to fly. During this period, the bird behaves quietly and cautiously.
• Corn crake chicks hatch simultaneously and leave the nest on the second day, but for another 2–3 days they cannot forage on their own. The female feeds them until they learn to feed themselves.
• The courting corn crake extends its neck and turns its head in different directions to create the impression of varying song volume.
• The corn crake can swim, and in its chick stage even dive, although it usually avoids puddles and open water. During this period, it can still dive.
• The species and genus name of the corn crake comes from the ancient Greek word κρέξ, meaning a long-legged bird. This word was also used by Herodotus, Aristophanes, and Aristotle to denote a similar bird.
• Ornithologists count corn crake numbers by listening to male mating calls from 11 pm to 3 am. At this time, birds remain on their nesting areas, unlike during daylight when they may move up to 600 m away.
• The corn crake prefers areas with grass at least 50 cm high, but avoids wetlands and open spaces with stone heaps or sandy patches. It dislikes long-lasting puddles and prefers dry, dense grassy areas.
• The male corn crake is especially active in singing from 8 pm to 5 am, managing to utter its "crex-crex" call up to 20,000 times. Sometimes singing can be heard during the day, especially on bad weather days.
• The corn crake holds its legs dangling during flight, rather than tucking them. Its flight is considered inefficient, but it combines with natural concealment.
• The territorial call of the male corn crake is the most well-known, but not the only sound produced by this bird. Birds of both sexes, when caught off guard, emit a sharp screech resembling the chatter of a magpie.
• Corn crakes gather on "stoppages" before overcoming major obstacles, such as seas or mountains. Such resting places concentrate a large number of birds.