The Yellow-billed Chough: an emblem of the Pyrenean heights

The yellow-billed chough is one of the most distinctive and easily recognizable birds of the Pyrenees, thanks to its glossy black plumage, curved yellow beak, and red legs. It is an alpine and sedentary bird that prefers to inhabit cliffs and rugged areas, where it finds natural crevices to breed at altitudes between 700 and 2.800 meters.

Its diet consists of small invertebrates and plants that it gathers in high-altitude pastures, making this bird an excellent indicator of the good health of the Pyrenees . Although its main habitat is the high Pyrenees, it can sometimes be found in pre-Pyrenean areas, such as the Montrebei gorge or the Escales reservoir, where nesting populations have been recorded at altitudes of 700 meters and above.

Birdwatching , particularly for the yellow-billed chough, is an increasingly popular activity within nature tourism in the Pyrenees . There are various birdwatching routes and specialized programs that combine hiking and wildlife observation , allowing visitors to enjoy high mountain landscapes while discovering unique species.

Many excursions in the Pyrenees include the opportunity to observe the yellow-billed chough in flight, gliding with great skill over ridges and gorges. These experiences, integrated into wildlife excursions or mountain routes, offer the chance to get up close to Pyrenean biodiversity and appreciate the richness of the natural environment.