Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and sea cliffs

The success of this bird which nests in Herb and insect rich pastures and winter stubbles are required feeding habitat for the Chough. Over the In the United Kingdom and Ireland it is restricted to coastal cliffs where it feeds on invertebrates in areas with short-grazed turf. Persecution in the 19th Century and more recent changes in agricultural practice are often cited as the main causes of decline. Agricultural effects include loss of cliff top grassland through intensification and a reduction in sheep, cattle and rabbit grazing allowing coarse grassland and scrub to develop (Bignal et al. 1997; Bignal & Curtis 1989).

Organisations including the National Trust have been working towards the chough's return. Particular emphasis has been placed on bringing back grazing to the cliffs and providing the necessary food plant. In 2002 the species returned to nest in Cornwall, partly due to the sustained efforts of the various organisations. See the National Trust Environment and Conservation web site - http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk, where its Nature conservation section provides a brief report of the position in 2002.

References

Bignal, E. & Curtis, D.J. 1989. Chough and Land-use in Europe. Scottish Chough Study Group Scottish Chough Study Group, Argyll.

Bignal, E., Bignal, S. & McCraken, D. 1997. The social life of the Chough. British Wildlife, 8/6., 373-383.