Alpine Chough
Pyrrhocorax graculus
The Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) is a uncommon crows, jays, and magpi found in 39 countries, weighing about 211 g. The Alpine chough or yellow-billed chough is a bird in the crow family, one of only two species in the genus Pyrrhocorax.
About the Alpine Chough
The Alpine chough or yellow-billed chough is a bird in the crow family, one of only two species in the genus Pyrrhocorax. Its two subspecies breed in high mountains from Spain eastwards through southern Europe and North Africa to Central Asia and Nepal, and it may nest at a higher altitude than any other bird. Its eggs have adaptations to the thin atmosphere that improve oxygen take-up and reduce water loss.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The adult of the nominate subspecies of the Alpine chough has glossy black plumage, a short yellow bill, dark brown irises, and red legs. It is slightly smaller than the red-billed chough, at 37–39 centimetres (15–15 inches) length with a 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) tail and a 75–85 cm (30–33 in) wingspan, but has a proportionally longer tail and shorter wings. It has a similar buoyant and easy flight. The sexes are identical in appearance, although the male averages slightly larger than the female. The juvenile is duller than the adult, with a dull yellow bill and brownish legs.
What the Alpine Chough sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Poland.
When to see it
The Alpine Chough can be seen all year round, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Alpine Chough?
- The adult of the nominate subspecies of the Alpine chough has glossy black plumage, a short yellow bill, dark brown irises, and red legs. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Alpine Chough?
- The Alpine Chough is a medium sized bird weighing about 211 g.
- Where can you see an Alpine Chough?
- The Alpine Chough occurs in 39 countries, including France, Spain, Switzerland, India and Austria.
- What does an Alpine Chough sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Alpine Chough on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Alpine Chough?
- The Alpine Chough is most easily confused with the Red-billed Chough.
- Is the Alpine Chough endangered?
- The Alpine Chough is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Alpine Chough for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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