UK’s tallest bird flourishes for another year

But we’ll end the week on a high

UK’s tallest bird flourishes for another year - RSPB

2 common cranes standing in a field — Common Crane, *Grus grus*, confirmed breeding of at least one pair at Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve. Suffolk, England. 17th May, 2007. Possibly for the first time in 400 years! (Andy Hay - rspb-images.com)

Figures reveal 2022 was another successful year for the Common Crane – with numbers bouncing back since their UK extinction.

The latest survey reveals a fantastic 71 pairs across UK in 2022, with the population estimated at well over 200 birds.

Cranes are making a comeback thanks to restoration and protection of their habitats. However, proposed changes to UK legislation could result in the loss or the weakening of the laws that have supported the excellent conservation work done so far.

The Common Crane continues its comeback after the latest breeding survey reveals a fantastic 71 pairs across the UK in 2022. This is the second highest number since cranes returned in 1979 after becoming extinct in the 1500s.

Of these 71 pairs, up to 64 pairs bred and these fledged an incredible 39 chicks, significantly adding to the UK population. Cranes are slowly spreading across the UK with the first successful breeding along the Suffolk Coast. The total UK population is now believed to be over 200 birds.

Wild cranes were once widespread, before becoming extinct in Britain in the 16th century through hunting and the loss of their favoured wetland habitat. In 1979, a small number of wild birds returned to the UK before spreading to elsewhere in the UK, aided by the creation and improvement of their favoured habitat. The population was given a further boost when hand-reared cranes were released on the Somerset Levels and Moors.