Choughs: Meet Cornwall’s ‘National’ Bird!
Choughs are unique crows with red beaks and legs. Previously endangered, these birds are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts, and are found in Cornwall, as well as Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
These birds use their long bills to eat beetle larvae and leatherjackets. They have a loud ‘chee-ow’ song, and are mostly found on cliff faces and rock ledges, but also nest in empty buildings.
Keep at least 50 metres away from coastal birds (if they fly away, this wastes energy that could be spent feeding).
Known for their dramatic dives and swoops, choughs are monogamous and pair up in bonds that last for life. They are also very faithful to nesting sites, often returning to the same cliffs each year.
