How to identify

The black feathers of the Chough (pronounced 'chuff') clearly mark it out as a crow, but unlike any other member of the family, it has a red bill and legs. It is found only on the west of the British Isles. It's a master flier and readily shows off its skills with dramatic aerial displays of diving and swooping. This Schedule 1 species can be found in flocks in autumn and winter.

Call

Chough

GROSSELET Olivier / xeno-canto

Chough standing on cliff top
Chough
Corvids: how to identify the crow family

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!

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts