(pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)
The Chough (sometimes called the Red-billed Chough) is a member of the Crow or Corvid family. It is found in mountainous areas with steep cliffs and on rocky coasts with sea cliffs. Worldwide the Chough has a large population stretching from the mountains of Spain through the Alps to the Himalayas but within the UK it is uncommon and restricted to the Western Isles of Scotland, the Isle of Man, Anglesey in North Wales and Cornwall.
In Scotland the population numbers about 83 breeding pairs with a winter population of between 250-400 birds. Almost all of the breeding pairs are found on Islay and the adjacent island of Colonsay. On Islay it has developed a tendancy to nest in derelict buildings which has thus increased the availability of suitable nest sites. On Islay, Chough can be easily found at Ardnave Point, at the Mull of Oa and at Machir Bay.