Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Scientific name definitions

34–38 cm; male 194–277 g, female 160–254 g. Medium-sized, relatively small-headed corvid with fairly long tail , short bill slightly decurved; in flight, rather broad wings with "fingered" primaries  , trailing edge of wing gently S-shaped ("pinched" wing base, shorter inner primaries), flight often gamboling in updrafts of air over sheer cliff faces and ridges, swooping and diving, soaring and sweeping down slopes. Nominate race has entire plumage black, weakly glossed bluish-green, most strongly on wings and tail; iris dark brown; bill lemon-yellow  ; legs bright red  . Distinguished from P. pyrrho­corax by smaller, yellow bill, base of lower mandible less feathered (and velvety black nasal tuft inconspicuous), shorter legs, wingtips falling well short of tail tip, in flight by relatively longer tail, narrower wings less rectangular in shape and with less strongly fingered primaries. Sexes similar. Juvenile  has plumage (when recently fledged) dull sooty black, bill dull horn-coloured, legs black or dark brown, legs becoming red during first winter. Races differ in size and in relative toe and tarsus lengths, nominate race smallest: <em>forsythi</em> is largest; digitatus is intermediate between previous and nominate.

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High-altitude mountain  pastures with rocky crags above tree-line, descending into upper valleys in winter. Unlike P. pyrrhocorax, is very much a scavenger about human habitation, especially so about ski resorts in Europe, where breeds chiefly between 1260 m and 2880 m, but reported as low as 600 m in Balkans. In N Africa nests at 2880–3900 m, and farther E most numerous between 3500 m and 5000 m in Himalayas, where reported as following climbers as high as 8235 m in Nepal.

Primarily invertebrates in spring and summer, with more varied diet in autumn and winter. In summer grasshoppers (Orthoptera), beetles (Coleoptera) and larvae of craneflies (Tipulidae) important, but takes whole range of invertebrates, including small molluscs, dragonflies (Odonata), bugs (Hemiptera), caterpillars (Lepidoptera) and ants (Formicidae); will also take small amphibians and reptiles, nestling small birds, eggs and small rodents. In autumn and winter extensive range of seeds (including those of grasses), berries and fruits are added, notably those of rose (Rosa), rowan (Sorbus), sea-buckthorn (Hippophae), juniper (Juniperus), cherries and blackthorn (Prunus), barberry (Berberis), ivy (Ilex) and dogwood (Cornus). Wide range of discarded human food items recorded, including mashed potato and cheese, and is especially fond of sultanas. Habitually hides food, particularly food scraps, by pushing morsels into rock crevices and under stones. Flocks scavenge about mountain villages and ski resorts, in winter descending to valley bottoms and foraging around towns (but moving back into mountains to roost). Becomes remarkably confiding, following mountain walkers for scraps, even catching food items in air when thrown by humans, or taking food from the hand  . Flaps clumsily in bushes when feeding on berries, but usually forages on ground , often in flocks of several hundred individuals. Flocks assemble for daytime foraging activities, later breaking up into smaller groups or pairs scattered over feeding area. On ground walks with shuffling gait or hops, with tail somewhat depressed, flicking wings and tail as it calls. Feeds by pecking at surface in manner of a starling (Sturnidae), rather than probing in manner of P. pyrrhocorax; will peck at animal dung after it has been turned over by latter. The two chough species often forage together, and one may temporarily join up with flocks of the other. Present species replaces P. pyrrhocorax at higher elevations, although considerable overlap exists and latter does not habitually forage around villages.

Typical call  distinctive and unlike that of other corvids, including P. pyrrhocorax (although not unlike call of Ethiopian race baileyi of latter). Most frequently heard is a sweet rippling "preeep"  and a descending whistled "sweeeooo", both given with varied emphasis, the whistled note sometimes similar to a high-pitched, sweeter version of alarm call of P. pyrrhocorax. Also gives harsh rolling "churr". Song a subdued warbling, chittering and squeaky series of notes, often uttered by birds when feeding or when resting together.

Laying mainly early May to mid-Jun in Europe and Morocco, Jun and Jul in Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan, and breeds Apr–Jun in N Indian Subcontinent; single-brooded. Generally lifelong monogamous pair-bond, partners remaining together throughout year. Solitary nester, but forms loose colonies in areas of high population density; colonial breeding seems to be exceptional, e.g. up to 20 pairs in underground shaft in Bulgaria and 20–25 pairs along 7·5 km of craggy cliffs in Switzerland (closest nests 70 m apart), but inter-nest distance elsewhere in Alps varied from 600 m to nearly 5 km. Occasionally a helper (probably a youngster of previous brood) assists at nest. Nest built by both sexes, male bringing in materials and female constructing nest, a bulky structure of sticks, roots and similar, lined with grasses, feathers and moss, typically on ledge or shelf near roof of cave or rock chimney, rock crevice or cliff face, especially larger cave with small entrance; roof space of old building, mine-shaft and the like sometimes utilized, although less so than by P. pyrrhocorax. Clutch usually 4 eggs , rarely up to 6; incubation by female alone, fed on nest by male, period 18–21 days; chicks fed by both parents, occasionally also by a helper, nestling period 29–31 days; young remain in family group until at least Sept. First breeding at 2 or 3 years of age.

Not globally threatened. Locally common throughout much of wide range; this most noticeable through observations of flocks of non-breeders, generally of 30–200 individuals, but as many as 1000 in winter. European population stable, with reports of increases from many countries, linked with proliferation of winter tourist resorts which has allowed P. graculus to scavenge and to remain at higher elevations throughout year. Total European population estimated at 48,000–96,000 pairs (of which 50% are in the Alps): 10,000 in Spain, 17,000 in France, 8000 in Switzerland , 2000–4000 in Germany, 9000 in Austria, 7000 in Italy, 6000 in Croatia, 1000 in Slovenia, 300 in Albania, 8000 in Greece and 2000 in Bulgaria. Became extinct in Poland (Tatra Mts) in middle of 19th century. Decrease reported in Greece. In Morocco uncommon to rare. Precise status in Syria unclear and requires confirmation, but recently been found breeding in mountains of adjacent C Lebanon. Estimated Turkish population at least 10,000 pairs, whereas in neighbouring Armenia only one recent report (flock of 70 in Dec 2000). Considered rare in Azerbaijan, and uncommon in Caucasus, where conspicuous only over highest ridges and passes. Similar comments apply farther E across N Iraq and N Iran, into C Asia and China, where found only around the higher passes (seemingly replaced by P. pyrrhocorax at more moderate elevations). Although confiding in presence of human habitation, and reported even as entering tents of climbers, this species only occasionally nests on buildings, preferring inaccessible cliff sites. Within its range and habitat, such sites appear to be secure.