Choughs have been breeding on The Lizard for many years now.
Photo: © Dean Pollard
Scientific name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Cornish name: Palora
Other names: Red-billed Chough; also called Killigrew in Cornwall
Conservation status: IUCN Red List – Least Concern; Schedule 1 species, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Annex 1 EC Birds Directive; Appendix II Bern Convention
What to look for:
- Family: Corvidae
- Colouring and appearance: Black, with the classic red beak and legs that identify this member of the Corvid family
- Size: 39 to 40 cm length, 73 to 90 cm wingspan
- Where: On the western rocky coasts of Wales and Cornwall, Northern Ireland and Ireland
- Call: Listen here
- Similar species: Carrion Crow, Rook – but the Chough’s red bill and legs distinguish them clearly
Choughs are members of the crow family (Corvidae), and are found in Europe, Asia and Africa. You can distinguish them from other members of the family by their curved red bills and red legs. They are coastal birds, seldom if ever venturing far inland.
Sometimes known as the Cornish Chough because it was so common here, it was absent from Cornwall for over 30 years, mainly as a result of habitat loss and persecution. They famously returned in 2001 and have successfully re-established. There are now several pairs breeding in Cornwall.
The best place to see them on The Lizard is along the coastal path. Watch out for their acrobatic flights, or spot them feeding in fields, searching for insects and larvae. This feeding behaviour is one of the reasons they benefit from land that is grazed at a low intensity by cattle or ponies – it keeps the vegetation short and they are able to search for food more easily.
Did you know…?
…Choughs feature on the coat of arms of Cornwall County Council
…Chough was originally pronounced Chow, similar to their call. It is now spoken to rhyme with Chuff
More information and references:
Svensson, L., Mullarney, K., Zetterstrom, D.,1986. Collins Bird Guide, second edition (translated by Christie, D., Svensson, L.). HarperCollins, London.
Published: May 2013; updated March 2026
Author: Amanda Scott
Photos: © Dean Pollard