alpine chough

bird

Also known as: Pyrrhocorax graculus

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) is a small bird with a yellow bill, native to mountainous regions of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is one of three species of chough, all belonging to the crow family (Corvidae).12

The alpine chough is about 15 inches long and has glossy blue-black plumage. These birds are known for their gregarious nature, whistling calls, and impressive aerial acrobatics. They inhabit high mountains, with their range extending from Morocco and Spain to the Himalayas.2

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chough
…Isles to China, and the alpine chough (P. graculus), of high mountains from Morocco and Spain to the Himalayas. Both are about 38 cm (15 inches) long and glossy blue-black; the former is red-billed, the latter yellow-billed. These choughs are gregarious, have whistling calls, and are aerial acrobats. In the…
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…Isles to China, and the alpine chough (P. graculus), of high mountains from Morocco and Spain to the Himalayas. Both are about 38 cm (15 inches) long and glossy blue-black; the former is red-billed, the latter yellow-billed. These choughs are gregarious, have whistling calls, and are aerial acrobats. In the…
Read More