Red-Billed Chough

Background

The Red-Billed Chough is a medium sized black crow with a curved red bill. These birds can be found performing excellent acrobatic displays during flight, diving and swooping in their air, trying to attract the attention of females.

Habitat

This species of chough has a year round presence in Wales, western Ireland, Spain and Portugal. They are also found in other countries such as Italy, Greece and Turkey, however the likelihood of seeing them is reduced in these areas. The Red-Billed Chough prefers rocky habitats such as cliffs and mountainous areas.

Diet

An omnivorous creature, the Red-Billed Chough feeds on spiders, insects, earthworms, seeds and grain.

Predators & Threats

The main dangers facing this bird come from the sky. Large birds of prey like falcons, eagles and owls hunt this species. Despite this, whilst nesting, adults, juveniles and eggs are all susceptible to terrestrial opportunists such as rats and foxes.

Facts

• Chough and sheep have mutually beneficial relationships. With sheep keeping grass short, in order that these birds can find their prey more easily, and the bird eating parasites, such as ticks, from the sheep.
• They use their curved beak to probe the soil in order to find prey.

Best Time to Look

All year round.