Chough
The Chough (Phyrrocorax Phyrrhocorax) is a species thought as “Vulnerable”
in conformity with UICN, threatened with extinction since the reduction of
traditional agrosystems, especially sheep farming. The food research occurs
in areas where the pasture is carried out in an extensive way. Moreover, the
preservation of a "bare" herbaceous cover supports the food research.
Another factor that produces the reduction of population is the use of
parasiticides for the cattle which causes a drop of insects that feed on
faeces and represent the food basis for this species.
Enhancing activities completely fitted with the territory, in particular the
preservation of traditional agricultural practices, is one of the priority
objectives in Majella National Park in order to ensure the survival of many
species connected with the human activities.
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Description |
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It is a Corvid featured by the black plumage with blue tints and
by its unmistakable orange color of claws and beak. It is a
hook-bill specialised in exploring the ground in search of
insects. |
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Behaviour |
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This bird lives in colonies rich in non-breeding, at times it is
easy to meet flocks made of Alpine Choughs (Phyrrocorax Graculus)
and Red-Billed Choughs (Phyrrocorax Phyrrhocorax). It
distinguishes by its typical call – a repeated "chia" – because
of which it is called with the dialectal name of "ciavole". They
build their nests in the rocks ravines. |
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Feeding |
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Insectivorous, it feeds on insects found in pastures eated by
herbivores; thanks to its long beak examines the faeces in
search of coprophagous insects. |
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Habitat |
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The Chough is a bird connected with rocky environments full of
pits, next to the pastures, from the sea level until 3.000
meters. The largest Italian population is located in Abruzzo. |
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Presence |
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In addition to its typical call, there are many other signs of
its presence: the sighting of feathers with bluish tints or food
remains such as, for example, olive stones that it feeds on in
winter when it goes downhill. |
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Sighting |
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The sighting is easy - even though it is afraid of the men - on
grasslands, along gorges or while is searching of insects in the
pastures. |
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Edited by Dr.ssa Mirella Di Cecco
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