Alpine chough

The alpine chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) is one of the most characteristic birds of the Dolomites and of high mountain environments. A member of the crow family (Corvidae), it lives among rocky cliffs, ridges, scree slopes and alpine huts, where it can often be seen flying with great agility using rising air currents. It is also one of the most easily observed birds of the Dolomites.

In this mountain range the alpine chough is very common and frequently accompanies hikers and climbers during their days in the mountains. It is a social, lively and curious bird that usually moves in small groups and can be easily recognised by its glossy black plumage, yellow beak and red legs.

Its acrobatic flight, clear calls and habit of frequenting mountain huts and scenic terraces make it a familiar presence for anyone who spends time in the mountains. For this reason, the alpine chough is one of the most easily observed animals of Dolomite wildlife.

Where the alpine chough lives in the Dolomites

In the Dolomites the alpine chough mainly lives in high-altitude environments, generally above the tree line. It prefers rocky cliffs, ridges, scree slopes, mountain passes, alpine pastures and areas close to the summits, where it moves confidently even in strong winds.

It is also very common near mountain huts, bivouacs and high panoramic viewpoints, where it often takes advantage of human presence to search for small food scraps. On summer days its calls are often heard above mountain passes and along the great Dolomite walls, especially in open and sunny areas.

The alpine chough is perfectly adapted to life in the mountains and can also be observed at very high altitudes. In winter it sometimes descends slightly lower, but it remains closely linked to rocky environments and open areas of the Alps.

Description

The alpine chough is a medium-sized corvid, about 35–40 centimetres long, with a wingspan that can exceed 70 centimetres. Its plumage is entirely black, glossy and uniform, sometimes showing faint bluish reflections in the light.

Its most distinctive features are the yellow beak, slender and slightly curved, and the red legs. These two details make it easy to distinguish from the raven and also from the rarer red-billed chough, which instead has a red beak.

In flight it appears agile and elegant, with relatively narrow wings and a rather short tail. Its movements are quick and light, often acrobatic, especially when it uses rising air currents along rocky cliffs.

Behaviour

The alpine chough is a very social bird. Unlike the raven, which often lives in territorial pairs, the chough is frequently observed in small groups, sometimes even quite large ones. This behaviour makes it particularly visible along high mountain trails and near mountain huts.

It spends a great deal of time in flight and shows remarkable skill in gliding and manoeuvring in the wind. It is often seen flying close to rocky walls or above alpine passes, where it emits clear and penetrating calls.

The alpine chough has a very varied diet. It feeds on insects, larvae, small invertebrates, seeds, berries and food remains found near mountain huts. This ability to adapt to different food sources allows it to thrive even in harsh high-mountain environments.

Predators of the alpine chough

Among the predators of the alpine chough, the golden eagle and the eagle-owl stand out. These large birds of prey, although only occasionally, can manage to catch it—especially during the nesting period or when young birds are still inexperienced.

However, the alpine chough is highly agile in flight and often lives in steep, hard-to-reach environments such as rocky cliffs, ridgelines, and windy high-altitude areas. This makes it relatively safe compared to many other bird species.

Why alpine choughs approach mountain huts

Anyone who spends time in the Dolomite mountain huts is familiar with the alpine chough. It is one of the birds most likely to approach terraces, tables and stone walls in search of food. This behaviour is due to its intelligence, curiosity and ability to take advantage of opportunities created by human presence.

Despite this apparent familiarity, the alpine chough remains a wild animal and should never be intentionally fed. Encouraging wildlife to receive food from people can alter their natural behaviour and make them overly dependent on humans.

Nevertheless, its presence around mountain huts is one of the most typical and enjoyable encounters of summer in the mountains. For many hikers the alpine chough has become one of the most familiar symbols of the Dolomites.

Recording of the alpine chough call – Daniele Baroni – source: Xeno-canto

Protected species

The alpine chough is not considered rare in the Dolomites, but like all alpine wildlife it depends on the preservation of intact mountain environments.

The quality of high-altitude habitats, the availability of nesting sites and the respect of natural ecological balances remain essential for its conservation.

Even for a relatively common species it is important to avoid unnecessary disturbance near nesting sites and to discourage unnatural behaviours such as feeding wildlife.

Interesting facts

• The alpine chough is one of the most common and easily observed birds of the high mountains in the Dolomites.
• It can be easily distinguished from the red-billed chough by its yellow beak.
• It is an excellent flyer and skilfully uses ridge winds to perform spectacular aerial manoeuvres.
• Its familiarity with mountain huts and panoramic terraces makes it one of the most recognisable birds for hikers.

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Scientific classification of the alpine chough

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