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Choughs in Wales

Chough
The chough is the UK's rarest crow

The chough has always had a special place in Wales' culture and history and today, three-quarters of the UK chough population is here in Wales.

The chough figured prominently in the religious beliefs of Celtic Britain, and myths tell of King Arthur returning as a chough.

Nowadays, some of Wales' finest coastal spots are special places for the UK's rarest and most unusual crow, because it is here that the chough breeds. The chough is extremely special to the coasts of Wales and proves that the coastline is both very beautiful and of the highest quality.

'Nowadays, some of Wales' finest coastal spots are special places for the UK's rarest and most unusual crow'

Choughs are attracted to areas of wild and unimproved landscapes. They nest in cliff crevices and caves, and swoop above cliff tops all year round. The Chough Trail will take you to some of the best places to see chough in Wales, and to some of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Wales.

Three-quarters of all the UKs choughs nest in Wales, and the RSPB runs a project to protect the important population. As you visit these locations, listen out for the piercing 'chow' call that gives the bird its name, and consider the history behind that special sound.

This project is funded by the European Union.

What can I do?

Join us at the famous Llechwedd Slate Caverns to see a pair of nesting choughs.

Choughs at Llechwedd Slate Caverns

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