The Chough (pronounced 'chuff') is the rarest member of the crow family and is unique to the British Isles.
It is a particularly striking bird with black plumage typical of a crow and a bright red bill and legs.
Choughs have superb flying skills and often show them off is fantastic displays of swooping and diving.
In Scotland the Chough is confined to the west coast, particularly Islay, Jura, Kintyre, west Ayrshire and Islay where they can be seen feeding for invertebrates in fields. Due to the Gulf Stream, a milder climate on the west coast allows insects to remain active all year. The dung of grazing animals that are wintered outside provides an essential source of insects, especially for young birds. The strandline, where seaweed gathers, also provides a wealth of sand-hoppers, kelp flies and maggots in winter.
Due to a declining population of less than 500 in the UK, the Chough is on the amber list of birds of conservation conservation concern in the UK.
The Latin name, 'Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax', derives from the greek meaning 'flame-coloured raven'.
Where to see them
Rocky coasts with short grassland. The RSPB has a reserve at Loch Gruinart, Islay where they can be seen all year round.
Page first published on Monday 7th April 2008
Page last updated on Friday 17th October 2008
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