Chough

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

The red-billed chough (pronounced ‘chuff’) is a member of the Corvid (crow) family and is a little larger than a jackdaw. Their range includes Europe, North Africa and in the UK they are found in westerly coastal regions of Wales and England. Choughs have a close association with Cornwall and appear on its coat of arms. They were once abundant in the county but, from the late 19th century, land use and farming practices changed, and vital habitat was lost.

They display an acrobatic flying style, soaring and swooping with ease. In common with the Corvid family of birds, they are intelligent and sociable, gathering in large flocks over winter. Choughs pair for life and in summer return to long-held nest sites in the crevices and caves of cliff faces.

They are primarily insectivores and their distinctive curved red beak is ideal of digging out ants and other invertebrates from crevices and holes.

Origin: Native

Size: Length 37-42 cm, with a wingspan of between 65 to 80 cm.

Description: Striking red legs and red curved bill. The plumage appears black but is, in fact, an iridescent dark and sheeny blue/green.

Habitat: Coastal cliffs and well-grazed coastal pastures rich in insect life, especially ant colonies.

Young: 2 – 6 eggs (average 5) are incubated by the female and hatch after 19 days. Both parents care for and feed the chicks until they fledge at 6 weeks old.

Nest: Nests are created with twigs and stems, and lined with moss, lichen and sheep’s wool.

Diet: Mainly insects and larvae. Seeds and grain are also consumed.

Population: RSPB estimate 250 – 350 breeding pairs.