Red-billed Chough

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

(P. p. docilis)

Armenian Name:	Կարմրակտուց ճայ
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 59 for Red-billed Chough and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	39-40 cm, Wing Span:73-90 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 340.
Description:	Black with broad rounded wings, square-tipped tail, red legs, and slightly-decurved red bill. At rest, tips of wings extend to tip of tail.
Adult:	Blue- and green-glossed plumage, red bill, and red legs.
Juvenile:	Duller brown-black plumage, shorter bill which varies from pink to orange to dull red, and orange to red legs.
Similar Species:	Differs from Yellow-billed Chough by longer orangish or red bill and shorter tail.
Behavior:	Gregarious and noisy; feeds in flocks near mountain tops, meadows, open orchards. Very agile flier, often soaring up to great heights before moving to next feeding area.
Habitat:	High mountain cliffs and meadows; lower elevations in winter.
Food:	Invertebrates, grain, fruits.
Nest:	Bulky base of stems with finely lined cup in crevice or cave of cliff.
Eggs:	39 mm, 3-5, yellowish-white, pale brown-yellow blotches.