Chough
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Chough
P. graculus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae Genus: Pyrrhocorax Tunstall, 1771
Species
See text.

Chough is the genus Pyrrhocorax of birds in the Corvidae (crow) family. The word is pronounced as 'chuff'. They are predominantly black in colour with brightly coloured legs, feet, and bills. They have long broad wings and perform spectacular aerobatics. This genus is not to be mistaken for the White-winged Chough of Australia.

The two species are:

• Red-billed Chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, an elegant bird, distinguished by its bright red, slightly decurved bill and red legs and feet. When in flight, its primary feathers are separated into 'fingers'. The Chough "chuff" makes a loud ringing 'che-oww' call which completes the picture of a very attractive bird.

(Ogilvie, Malcolm. 2008. "Choughs and Cowpats" www.birdsofbritain.co.uk)

• Alpine Chough or Yellow-billed Chough, Pyrrhocorax graculus

External links

• ITIS information on genus

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