Many of the UK’s most common corvids – members of the crow family – sport all-black plumage, which can make identification a bit of a headache. But once you know what to look for, there are easy ways to tell the difference.
And it’s worth making the effort, because what they lack in colour corvids definitely make up for in brain power – they’re some of the smartest animals on the planet and their entertaining antics are fascinating to watch!
Green-listed, despite their small population. Chough populations are increasing in Cornwall, and stable in Pembrokeshire. However, there have been long-term declines in North and mid-Wales and the Inner Hebrides.
You might mistake a flock of tumbling Choughs for Jackdaws, as they look quite similar from a distance. However, up close Choughs are very distinctive with long red beaks and red legs. They have an extremely limited range and you’re most likely to see them in south-west Scotland, the Isle of Man, the west coasts of Wales and Ireland, and in parts of Cornwall.
Choughs were persecuted throughout medieval times, as folklore told they were fireraisers and got their red legs and bill from paddling in the blood of Tomas Becket after his execution.
Now, the biggest threats these rare birds face are loss of habitat and food sources, due to agricultural intensification and land abandonment. Feasting on soil, ground and dung-dwelling invertebrates, Choughs forage on grassland and heath, with short vegetation, near to their cliffside crevice and cave nests.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
