The corncrake, a bird known for its unique "crex-crex" call, is experiencing a dramatic decline in France, with only about sixty breeding pairs remaining. Ornithologists have confirmed that the bird has disappeared from Brittany, a region where it was once commonly found. The population has dropped by 97% since the 1970s, with the number of breeding pairs falling from around 100 last year to approximately sixty this year. This sharp decline is largely due to changes in agricultural practices and the effects of climate change. Modern farming methods have led to earlier and more frequent harvesting, which leaves little time for corncrake chicks to grow and survive. The birds nest on the ground in meadows, making them especially vulnerable to being crushed by heavy machinery. Additionally, climate change and increasing droughts have led to hotter and drier conditions, which further speed up the harvesting process and reduce the availability of suitable habitats. In response to the crisis, a national action plan for the corncrake was launched in 2024 and was expected to last until 2033. This plan aimed to help repopulate the species through targeted reintroduction efforts. However, the recent sharp drop in sightings has raised concerns about the plan's effectiveness. Some experts believe the current measures may not be enough to prevent the corncrake from becoming extinct. Corentin Morvan, a study officer for the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) in Brittany, expressed deep concern over the situation. He noted that the corncrake has completely disappeared from the region and that the species' future looks uncertain. Once a common sound in the French countryside, the bird's distinctive nocturnal call is now rarely heard, signaling a significant loss for biodiversity in the region.