bP 
numbers, and locally as far as Cornwall; not rare in the north of Devon, but has become 
scarce on Lundy Island; found on the sea cliffs of Wales, and at some inland localities there. 
As a nesting species in Wigtownshire and Ayrshire it has almost, if not quite, vanished, but 
occasionally a few are seen at their old haunts. Thence, northwards in Scotland, it is found 
in Gigha, Islay, and Jura, and in the west and east of Skye, and in a very few other localities 
which we do not name; but Skye contains its most northerly distribution as a nesting species. 
The Chough is also known to revisit old long-deserted haunts in the south-east of 
Scotland, as well as in the south-west. The late Mr. Robert Gray appears to have given 
some credit to early reports of its presence at Troup Head, in North Aberdeenshire, and has 
since been quoted for this locality by Dresser. Gray said, however, in partial caution : 
“Indeed, it may be questioned if a single Chough has been seen either at Troup Head or at 
St. Abb’s Head for the last ten or fifteen years.’ A. G. More at that time carried the 
distribution as far north as Sutherland; but Mr. George Sim, commenting upon these 
records, says, with regard to the North Aberdeenshire coast, ‘‘Gray might have more truly 
said thirty or forty years ago,” and we are of the same opinion. 
In Ireland it is still abundant, though restricted for the most part to the precipices of 
the sea cliffs of the north and west of the country. 
IV. Food. 
Principally insects, grubs, larve, beetles, and more rarely grain; perhaps occasionally 
carrion, as often quoted by authors, but the original source of which information we have not 
been able to discover. Personally we think it more likely beetles and grubs in the said 
carrion that are the objects of their attention. 
V. Characteristics. 
Whilst shy or restless at their nesting haunts, Choughs are more confiding at other 
seasons, or when feeding or at play. They are sprightly birds both on land and when on wing, 
gambolling as they fly in companies along the irregularly contoured sea cliffs, or at inland 
haunts, imitating the manner of other species of the genus, especially of the Raven; and 
play and frisk and turn somersaults in infinitely amusing fashion at times and seasons when 
on land. 
The nest isnot usually a bulky structure—or, at least, not often so bulky as a Jackdaw’s— 
though occasionally it assumes considerable dimensions; more often, however, very little 
material at all is used. 
The eggs vary less in coloration than others of the genus. In colour they range from 
pale greenish grey ground colour to creamier and whiter tints, marked more or less profusely 
with black, purple, or lilac (underlying the shell) blotches, and less frequently streaks. 
Size about 13 in. by 13, in. 
VI. Protection. 
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird appears in the Schedule which applies 
to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person, 
taking, killing, etc., a Chough during close season,* or possessing or selling a Chough after 
15th March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. 
* Generally from 1st March to 31st July; but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in 
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896. 
