Common crane breeding in Scotland for first time since 16th century

The return of common crane breeding in Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years has stunned conservationists.

Two chicks have been born in the north-east of the country in the last year, to the delight of the RSPB.

The birds, known for their tall stature and loud mating call, typically spend their summers in northern Europe and migrate to France and Spain for winter.

They were once common in the UK but became extinct in the 16th century, with the last recorded breeding in Norfolk in 1543. Crane was a popular royal meal in the Middle Ages but the birds died out, mainly because of hunting and loss of habitat.

Since the 1970s a group of the birds have re-established a small population in Norfolk with 17 pairs breeding, but the two chicks born in Scotland are the first confirmed in the country for hundreds of years.

A crane can grow to 1.3m tall (4.2ft) with a wingspan of 2.4m (7.8ft). Their elegant breeding displays, which include dancing and ruffling feathers, are popular with bird spotters.

Cranes have been seen in the last few years at RSPB's Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve, near Fraserburgh, while travelling back to their breeding spots in northern Europe.

The bird charity is not disclosing the exact location of the nest site to minimise the risk of disruption.

The species favours large wetland areas such as lowland peat bogs and feeds on small insects, plants and grains.

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: "We are stunned and delighted to see that common cranes have bred successfully in Scotland. These charming, elegant birds have a strong place in our myths and history and are a delight to see, particularly during the breeding season with their dancing displays.

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