Alpine chough / Alpendohle (Pyrrhocorax graculus)

Alpendohle Truppe close-up. 2025-08-13 12:54:18 Klausenpass

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-01-01 in Thon, Schwanden. Most recent observation: 2025-08-13 in Switzerland.

Description

Classification: Genus Pyrrhocorax (Pyrrhocorax); Family Corvidae (Corvidae)
General: Als schwarzer Vogel mit gelbem Schnabel in den Alpen leicht zu erkennen. Ich habe sie auch in Schwanden (Ortsteil Thon) gesehen, direkt unter Vrenelisgärtli. Es heisst, bei Schnee fliegen sie tagsüber ins Tal aber abends wieder hoch.
General: Alpendohlen gibt's von den Kanaren bis in den Himalayen. In der Schweiz. Man kennt sie in den Schweizer Bergen.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Jahresvogel RL R
Etymology: [9][10] The English word "chough" was originally an alternative onomatopoeic name for the jackdaw, Corvus monedula, based on its call. [Link]
Vocalization: Diagnostic and very different from Red-billed Chough. A sharp, quite high-pitched, whistling trill "chreeeee". Usually alternated with pure-toned high-pitched whistles, falling abruptly in pitch with a "clipping" ending. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 05-01 - 07-29
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=38 cm, wingspan=75-85 cm, weight=188-252 g
Habitats: Mountain

Vocalisation

Song: Weird sounding chirping, often in large flocks.
Song attributes: Melody: non-musical, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz)
Chirping, rather musical
XC512155 - Alpine Chough - Pyrrhocorax graculus - flight call recorded in Spain.

XC512155 - Alpine Chough - Pyrrhocorax graculus - flight call recorded in Spain. Spain ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC512155 - Alpine Chough - Pyrrhocorax graculus - flight call recorded in Spain.mp3 Spain (flight call)


Call attributes: flight call Call melody: simple rhythmic, slow, Frequency: 2-7 KHz,