Record year for Scotland’s tallest bird after return from extinction - RSPB

The Common Crane had a record breeding year in Scotland

Record year for breeding Cranes in Scotland

Scotland's tallest species of bird had a record breeding season in 2025 following its return from extinction in the country. Cranes are the UK’s tallest bird with adult birds growing to more than a metre high.

The birds were driven to extinction in Scotland during the 16th century due to habitat loss and hunting. However, in 2012 a pair of Cranes successfully bred in Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years after naturally recolonising an area in Aberdeenshire. Last year a total of 10 pairs fledged nine chicks, up from six pairs in 2024. The counts were conducted by dedicated volunteers for RSPB Scotland.

Ron Macdonald, a volunteer for RSPB Scotland, said: As one of half a dozen volunteers that comprise the RSPB North East Scotland Crane monitoring team, I feel privileged to be able to regularly observe such a rare bird that has recolonised Scotland under its own steam. There’s something primeval in the way it looks, reminiscent of a pterodactyl that in the distant past probably flew over our ancient woodlands and raised peat bogs. I feel privileged to be able to regularly observe such a rare bird that has recolonised Scotland under its own steam".