Alpine Chough

The Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), also called Yellow-billed Chough is a Eurasian member of the crow family, Corvidae.

The breeding habitat of this bird is found in the highest mountains of southern Europe, the Alps, across central Asia and India.

It is closely related to the Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and shares its glossy black plumage and red legs. The main difference between these two birds is the Alpine Chough’s long curved bill, which is yellow rather than red.

It is also slightly smaller measuring 36-39 cm in length and with a 65-74 cm wingspan. However, it has a relatively longer tail and shorter wings. It has a similar buoyancy and easy flight.

This bird is often sociable and fearless. Its loud “zrrrrr” call is quite different from that of the Red-billed Chough.

Its diet consists of insects in the summer and berries or food scraps (especially around ski resorts) in the winter. A cavity or cliff ledge is a site for the bird’s nest.