Alpine Chough
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| Alpine Chough | ||||||||||||||
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| Missing image Alpenkauw2.jpg Alpine Chough | ||||||||||||||
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| Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
The Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), also called Yellow-billed Chough (pronounced "chuff") is a Eurasian member of the crow family, Corvidae.
It breeds locally in the highest mountains of southern Europe, the Alps, across central Asia and India. It is resident throughout its range.
It is closely related to the Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and shares its glossy black plumage and red legs. However, the Alpine Chough's long curved bill is yellow rather than red.
It is slightly smaller at 36-39 cm length and a 65-74 cm wingspan, but has a relatively longer tail and shorter wings. It has a similar buoyant and easy flight.
This bird is often gregarious and fearless. Its loud "zrrrrr" call is quite different from that of the Red-billed Chough.
Its food consists of insects in summer and berries or food scraps, especially around ski resorts, in winter. A cavity or cliff ledge is a site for the bird's nest.
