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Latin name

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Family

Crows and allies (Corvidae)

Overview

While its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the chough (pronounced 'chuff') has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It has a restricted westerly distribution in the British Isles and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping. Found in flocks in autumn and winter.

Where to see them

Rocky coasts with short grassland. RSPB reserves at South Stack, Anglesey; Loch Gruinart, Islay; and along the Causeway coast, N Ireland.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects and larvae

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK

Wales, W Scotland, N Ireland and SW England.

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Behaviour
• Breeding
• Cornish choughs
• Habitat and food
• Legal status
• Population trends
• Threats
• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

2 illustrations 12

Chough

Chough in flight

Similar birds

Jackdaw

Rook