Red-billed Chough vs Alpine Chough

In short

The most reliable way to separate Red-billed Chough from Alpine Chough in the field is by bill color and shape: Red-billed Chough has a long, curved red bill, while Alpine Chough has a short, straight yellow bill. Both species have glossy black plumage and red legs, but their structure and flight jizz differ: Alpine Chough shows a longer, less square-ended tail and less rectangular wings, especially in flight. Juveniles of both species have duller bills and legs, but bill color (orange-pink in young Red-billed, dull yellow in young Alpine) is still useful. Calls are distinct: Red-billed gives a loud, ringing 'chee-ow', while Alpine Chough produces rippling 'preep' and whistled 'sweeeooo' notes. Habitat can help—Alpine Choughs are almost always at higher elevations, while Red-billed Choughs also occur on coastal cliffs.

Identification tips

1. Bill color and shape: Red-billed Chough always has a long, slender, curved red bill (adults), while Alpine Chough has a short, straight yellow bill (adults). This is the single most reliable mark at all ages, except in juveniles where color is duller but still diagnostic.
2. Juvenile bill and leg color: Young Red-billed Choughs have orange bills and pink legs; Alpine Chough juveniles have dull yellow bills and brownish legs. Use this for birds out of full adult plumage.
3. Tail shape and length in flight: Alpine Chough has a longer, less square-ended tail, often appearing more rounded or wedge-shaped; Red-billed Chough's tail is shorter and more squared-off. This is most useful in flight or when perched birds fan their tails.
4. Wing shape in flight: Alpine Chough shows less rectangular wings, with a more 'pointed' look and shorter hand; Red-billed Chough's wings look broader and more rectangular. This is subtle but visible in side-by-side or flock views.
5. Overall structure: Red-billed Chough appears bulkier, especially around the head and bill; Alpine Chough is more slender and long-tailed.
6. Leg color: Both species have red legs as adults, but leg color is less reliable in juveniles (see above).
7. Plumage gloss: Both are glossy black, but Red-billed Chough may show a greenish sheen on the body. This is a minor mark and not reliable at distance.
8. Vocalizations: Listen for the loud, ringing 'chee-ow' of Red-billed Chough versus the rippling 'preep' and whistled 'sweeeooo' of Alpine Chough. Calls are often the quickest way to separate unseen birds in flight.
9. Habitat and context: Alpine Chough is almost always found at high elevation, often above the treeline and near cliffs; Red-billed Chough can be found on coastal cliffs, mountains, and sometimes old buildings in lowland areas.
10. Behavior in flight: Alpine Chough is more acrobatic, often seen soaring, fanning its tail, and making tight turns; Red-billed Chough is buoyant but less agile.
11. Group size: Alpine Chough often forms larger flocks, especially outside the breeding season; Red-billed Chough is more often in pairs or small groups, but this is variable.
12. Sex and age: Sexes are similar in both species; only in hand can subtle size differences be detected. Age differences are mainly in bill and leg color, as above.
13. No distinctive upperwing pattern: Neither species shows a contrasting upperwing panel or trailing edge at any age, so do not rely on wing pattern for separation.
14. Pitfalls: Do not confuse with Jackdaw, which is smaller and has grey, unglossed plumage. Bill color is the safest mark, but beware of duller bills in juveniles.
15. When in doubt: Use a combination of bill color/shape, tail and wing structure, and voice. Habitat can help, but both species may overlap in some mountain areas.

Size

Red-billed Chough is slightly larger and heavier (average mass ~287.5–310 g, length 39–40 cm, wingspan 73–90 cm) than Alpine Chough (length 37–39 cm, wingspan 75–85 cm). However, Alpine Chough has a proportionally longer tail and shorter wings, which affects its silhouette. In hand, size differences are subtle and not always reliable in the field, but Red-billed Chough tends to look bulkier and more robust, especially around the head and bill.

Plumage

Both species are glossy black overall, but age-related differences in bill and leg color are key for juveniles: young Red-billed Choughs have orange bills and pink legs, while Alpine Chough juveniles show a dull yellow bill and brownish legs. Adults are more straightforward: Red-billed Chough has a long, curved red bill and red legs; Alpine Chough has a short, straight yellow bill and red legs. The body gloss is similar, but Red-billed Chough may show a greenish sheen. In flight, Alpine Chough's wings are less rectangular and the tail is longer and more rounded, while Red-billed Chough has more squared-off wings and tail. No distinctive upperwing pattern or panel is noted for either species at any age, so structure and bill remain the best flight marks.

Behaviour

Both species are highly aerial and agile, but Alpine Chough is especially acrobatic, often seen soaring on updrafts, fanning its long tail, and performing tight maneuvers near cliffs. Red-billed Chough also flies buoyantly but appears slightly heavier and less acrobatic. Alpine Choughs are more likely to be seen in flocks at high elevation, while Red-billed Choughs may be found in smaller groups or pairs, especially on coastal cliffs or old buildings.

Habitat

Alpine Chough is a true high-mountain specialist, breeding and foraging at higher altitudes than almost any other bird, from Spain through the Alps and Himalayas. Red-billed Chough is more flexible, found both on mountains and on coastal cliffs, sometimes using old buildings in lowland areas. If you are at high elevation above the treeline, Alpine Chough is more likely; on sea cliffs or in lowland ruins, expect Red-billed Chough.

Voice

Red-billed Chough gives a loud, ringing 'chee-ow' call, which is clearer and more crow-like than Alpine Chough's vocalizations. Alpine Chough produces rippling 'preep' and whistled 'sweeeooo' calls, as well as a rolling churr alarm and various quiet warbles and squeaks. These differences are usually obvious with experience: Red-billed Chough sounds more like a classic corvid, while Alpine Chough's calls are higher-pitched and more musical.