by Denis O'Regan
Did you know the collective noun is a 'clattering' or 'chattering' of Choughs?
I prefer the latter as it seems most apt and for the sheer alliteration.
Although Chough is now pronounced "Chuff" it was possibly originally pronounced "Chew" an example of an onomatopoeic name after it's distinctive call.
What are these Choughs scheming on the garden wall?
Play this video...
The Chough
Irish Name: Cág cosdearg
Scientific name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
You would be forgiven for overlooking this bird as a Jackdaw or Rook. The Chough is indeed a member of the Corvid (Crow) family but there are two obvious features that aid identification.
- Bright Red or Orange legs and beak
- It's distinctive 'chew' call (almost like a sci-fi laser gun)
Choughs love to fly around windy sea cliffs showing off their acrobatic flying skills. They swoop around as if on a giant elastic and can even flip upside down.
A Chough feeding it's young
Another way to distinguish a Chough is the obvious spread of individual finger-like wing feathers.
Found along West and South coasts of Ireland, Choughs usually nest in seacliff crevices although sometimes have been reported by locals to nest in out building or old ruins. They pair for life which can be up to 30 years.
Distribution of the Chough
Chough in flight showing the finger-like feathers