The most elegant member of the Crow Family, Chough has a bright red bill and feet, which provides a striking contrast to his glossy black plumage. According to Cornish lore, Chough’s character is as white as his plumage is black. From early times, Chough has been associated with Cornwall (U.K.). In fact, the Welsh called Chough “Bran Gernyw” (Crow of Cornwall).
Unlike Crow and Rook, Chough does not nest in large groups. Instead, He nests near his Friends, on rugged mountain slopes, rocky valleys, or sea cliffs. This friendly Bird has a buoyant flight that attracts attention. He uses updrafts and wind currents to swoop and dive past rock faces. Performing aerobatic displays, Chough dives with his wings drawn in or turns on his back in midair.
Chough has rituals for many things. When an interloper comes to a feeding site, Chough will stand upright with his bill pointed down and feathers smooth, indicating that He is ready to fight. When Chough wants to court, He struts towards Female Chough with his tail turned upward, feathers ruffled, wings and head down. When pairing with Female Chough, the Two Birds preen each other.
Chough is the national emblem for Cornwall. To the Cornish, Chough is the guardian of the Spirit of King Arthur, who will one day return to free his people. In Cornwall, King Arthur’s spirit entered Chough after his death, with the Bird’s red beak and feet signifying the blood of Arthur’s battles. However, Chough disappeared from Cornwall in the 1950s. Much to everyone surprise, Chough came back to Cornwall in 2000, when three wild Choughs nested in West Cornwall.
Chough teaches being impressive. This black Bird, with his red beak and legs, is famous for his acrobatic flight. In his tumbling display flights, Chough makes a truly impressive sight as an astonishingly accomplished and graceful flyer. Learn to impress as Chough does.
To learn more about bringing Chough back to Cornwall (U.K.): The Cornwall Chough Project (which has been established by English Nature, the RSPB, the National Trust, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
The Chough has only been bred in captivity in Cornwall by Paradise Park. Read about their efforts.
Va. Carper
March 14, 2004