Choughs like to nest on cliffs

They have been extinct in England since the mid 1970s and there are just 180 pairs left in Wales. That accounts for 73% of the UK total.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is undertaking new research on the species.

The Lleyn peninsula in north Wales and Pembrokeshire in west Wales are among the last refuges of the Chough.

The birds prefer to nest in the fissures and small caves of steep, high cliffs.

They also like to nest near sheep-grazed pastures, which has grass short enough for the choughs to feed in.

Farmers in both areas still use traditional methods of managing the land, which is why the birds are thriving there.

It is planned to apply for Objective One funding to help maintain these methods and protect the birds' ideal habitat.