Chough
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
The Chough is a rare and elusive bird in Britain, typically spotted in the western coastal regions, particularly in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, often in mountainous or coastal areas with rugged terrain. It is most commonly seen during the breeding season, from April to July, when pairs establish territories and raise their young.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Chough in the field.
The Chough can be identified by its glossy black plumage, distinctive red bill, and reddish-brown legs, as well as its distinctive silvery sheen to the wings, which is visible in flight. Its slender build and long, curved wings also distinguish it from other corvids.
The Chough is slightly smaller than a Jackdaw, but larger than a Blackbird, with a length of approximately 39-42 cm.
The male Chough has a sleek, glossy black plumage with a blue-purple sheen in the right light, and a distinctive red bill and legs, with no notable seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Chough is similar to the male, with the same glossy black plumage and red bill and legs, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on plumage alone.
The Chough's call is a loud, ringing "chee-ow" or "chow" sound, often repeated in a series of 2-3 notes, and is frequently heard in flight or when the birds are interacting with each other.
Choughs are highly social birds that forage for insects, seeds, and small invertebrates on the ground, often in flocks, and are known for their agile and swift flight, with a distinctive wingbeat pattern.
The Chough can be confused with the Jackdaw or the Raven, but can be distinguished from these species by its red bill and legs, as well as its more slender build and silvery sheen to the wings, which is visible in flight.
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