Habitat:
rocky areas, alpine pastures, cliffs

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Alpine Chough, or Pyrrhocorax graculus, is a mountain bird from the Corvidae family. It is recognized by its glossy black plumage, bright yellow bill, and red legs. This bird is often seen in the Alps and the Pyrenees, where it moves in noisy flocks. Exceptionally agile in flight, it can skillfully maneuver in updrafts. Opportunistic, it feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and food scraps left by hikers. The chough is a sociable bird, often not very shy, and easily approaches humans. It nests in rock crevices and cliffs, usually laying three to five eggs.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Alpine Chough, focus on mountain areas where it is often found. Use a 400mm or longer telephoto lens to capture detailed images without disturbing the bird. Look for spots where choughs gather, such as cliffs or alpine pastures. Be patient and discreet to get natural shots. Sunny mornings provide beautiful light to highlight the bird's glossy black plumage.