Red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) observation birding Alicante

In Europe, Spain and Greece are the main strongholds of this species – size 15 ¾  inches. The size of the red-billed chough is roughly between the size of a magpie and a carrion crow. Adult birds have a long, dark red beak, whilst the juvenile birds have beaks of a yellow colour. The species differs from the yellow-billed chough (apart from the difference in beak colour) by the six primaries to the wing; the yellow-billed chough having only five. Both species only co-habit in the North of the Iberian Peninsula around the Pyrenees and the northern coast, whilst normally in the Costa Blanca region only the red-billed chough is present.

Birding Alicante; This species can be observed close to Refugio Marnes, in the Sierra de Bernia area for example. It is an impressive sight to see this species during flight with swoops and rolling movements made with ease, and they are often seen in groups which makes the sighting even more spectacular. Red-billed choughs live in the vicinity of inland cliffs or along the coast. The bird feeds mainly on insects which it looks for on the ground, but will also feed on berries when these are available. Red-billed choughs breed in the Costa Blanca area and are present throughout the year. They build their nests in cavities along cliffs, in caves or in ruins. Birding Alicante a great idea the whole year round.