Spotting the Chough: Where to Find Them in the Wild

Introduction to the Chough

The chough is a species of bird in the Corvidae family, closely related to the crow. It lives in mountainous areas, usually in rocky and coastal habitats. The chough has a distinctive red beak and legs, along with black feathers. It has a loud, harsh call, which is where its name is derived from. The chough is a very sociable bird, often seen in large flocks of up to 200 birds. It is also known for its acrobatic flight, performing intricate maneuvers in the air.

Where to Find the Chough

The chough is native to Europe, Asia, and some parts of North Africa. In Europe, they can be found in the British Isles, especially in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. They can also be seen in the Alps, the Pyrenees, and some parts of Spain and Portugal. In Asia, the chough is found in some parts of India, Nepal, and China. In North Africa, they can be seen in Morocco and Algeria.

Habitat of the Chough

The chough prefers habitats with rocky cliffs and open grassy areas. They are often found near coastal areas, as they need access to the sea for their food. The chough is also known to inhabit open woodlands and heaths. They are often found in areas with high human disturbance, such as agricultural land.

Diet of the Chough

The chough is an omnivore, eating both plants and animals. They feed on insects, small mammals, and eggs, as well as seeds, berries, and grains. They also feed on carrion, which is the flesh of dead animals. The chough is also known to eat shellfish, such as mussels and cockles.

Behavior of the Chough

The chough is a very sociable bird, often seen in large flocks of up to 200 birds. They typically forage in groups, although they will occasionally feed alone. The chough is also known for its acrobatic flight, performing intricate maneuvers in the air. They are often seen soaring high in the sky, sometimes making long migrations over long distances.

Threats to the Chough

The chough is threatened by habitat loss and human disturbance. Agricultural activities, such as plowing, can reduce the availability of food sources for the chough. Additionally, the introduction of non-native predators, such as cats, can be a threat to the chough’s chicks. Climate change is also a threat, as it can lead to changes in the availability of food sources.

Conservation of the Chough

The chough is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is protected by national laws in many countries and is also listed on a number of international conventions. Conservation efforts for the chough include habitat protection and management, as well as the establishment of protected areas. Additionally, research is being conducted to better understand the ecology and needs of the species.