A record number of pairs of Choughs made breeding attempts along Cornwall’s coastline this summer, with Choughs at RSPB Ramsey Island and RSPB South Stack Cliffs in Wales also enjoying a successful breeding season.
This distinctive bird, with its glossy black plumage and bright red bill and legs, is found along the British and Irish coastlines and islands. However, largely as a result of changes in agricultural practices, the species suffered declines over recent decades.
Choughs were lost from Northern Ireland in 2016 and went extinct around 50 years ago in Cornwall (though they re-established a population there from 2001). Declines are also evident in Scotland and north Wales.
A 2014 survey of the bird across the UK and Isle of Man recorded just 430 pairs, so it’s great to see that efforts by the RSPB and other conservationists, nature-friendly farmers and landowners are now having a positive impact.
The work is helping to boost populations in Cornwall and Wales; this summer, RSPB-coordinated surveys recorded 55 pairs of Choughs attempting to breed in Cornwall, up from a previous high of 47 in 2023.
Forty pairs successfully raised a brood, with 108 ‘Choughlets’ fledging. In Pembrokeshire, 12 pairs were recorded holding territory at RSPB Ramsey Island, of which 10 successfully fledged a total of 25 young.
And at RSPB South Stack Cliffs on Anglesey, 23 young fledged from 14 nests – up by two nests from the previous year. This success is in large part the result of ongoing work to improve grazing management. This was made possible by the RSPB and members like you, as well as by working closely with local farmers, landowners such as the National Trust, and others. Learn how the RSPB is helping farmers change grazing practices.
In other positive news, Kent celebrated its first Chough breeding success in 200 years following their reintroduction in 2023 by the Kent Wildlife Trust, Wildwood Trust and Paradise Park Cornwall. We hope that conservation efforts can help reverse the fortunes of Choughs in Scotland and Northern Ireland and continue the upward trend in Cornwall and these Welsh havens.
Choughs foraging for food on a beach in Western Scotland. Video: @RSPBEvents
