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Red-billed Chough on Pastures

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Animal habitat
—°9
Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)

Weather…

The Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) is a master of the skies above the alpine pastures of Canillo. Easily identified by its jet-black plumage and its animated red, curved beak and legs, it stands out from its cousin, the yellow-billed Alpine Chough. In Andorra, these birds are social creatures, often found in small flocks performing wide-open aerial displays, diving and swooping through the mountain thermals. They primarily forage on the high-altitude grasslands, using their specialized beaks to probe for insects, beetles, and seeds among the roots. Nesting occurs in the safety of deep rock crevices on the steep cliffs surrounding Canillo, far from ground-based predators. Their loud, ringing calls are a familiar sound for hikers exploring the high trails, signaling the presence of these intelligent corvids. The Red-billed Chough is a key species of the Pyrenean ecosystem, reflecting the health of the traditional grazing lands it depends on.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Red-billed choughs are visible year-round on alpine pastures, but in summer they are especially active hunting insects. In autumn they gather in larger flocks before moving to lower elevations.
🌅
Best time of day
The birds are diurnal and most active in early morning and late afternoon. At midday they often rest on rocks or in crevices.
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Etiquette
Keep your distance and avoid disturbing the birds while feeding. Do not throw food, as this alters their natural behavior and habituates them to humans.
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What to bring
Binoculars help to spot the red bills and black plumage from a distance. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for the trails across the alpine pastures.
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Getting there
The alpine pastures of Canillo are reached via hiking trails that ascend from the villages. A popular starting point is the car park at the Canillo cable car, from where you access the trails.
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What to expect
The birds often move in small flocks and can be well observed if you stay calm. Sit at a viewpoint and wait for them to come closer.

Geography

Coordinates
42.58500, 1.62000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Estanys de la Vall del RiuEstanys de la Vall del Riu<1 km · NEExplore →
Cascada de les MolesCascada de les Moles1 km · SExplore →
El VilarEl Vilar2 km · SWExplore →
Fire Salamander Damp ForestsFire Salamander Damp Forests3 km · SExplore →
El TarterEl Tarter3 km · EExplore →
Serra de l'EstanyoSerra de l'Estanyo3 km · NWExplore →
MeritxellMeritxell4 km · SWExplore →
Serra de l'ObagaSerra de l'Obaga5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Red-billed Chough on Pastures (9)

Pic de Torradella

Mountain in Andorra.

Pont Tibetà de Canillo

Suspension bridge in Canillo, Andorra.

💶

Sant Joan de Caselles

Church in Canillo, Andorra.

Pic de la Pala Alta

Mountain in Andorra.

Museu de la Moto🏛 museum

Motorcycle museum in Canillo.

Sant Serni

Church building in Canillo, Andorra.

Santa Creu de Canillo

Church building in Canillo, Andorra.

Sant Pere del Tarter

Church building in Canillo, Andorra.

Pic de les Fonts

Mountain in Andorra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How can you recognize the red-billed chough?
By its black plumage, red legs, and striking, long red beak.
Where can they be found in Andorra?
On high alpine pastures and meadows, where they search for insects in the ground.
What is the difference compared to the alpine chough?
The red-billed chough has a red beak, while the alpine chough has a yellow beak.
Are they social birds?
Yes, they are often seen in small groups or flocks, especially when foraging.
Where do red-billed choughs breed?
In niches and crevices of steep cliffs, often at high altitudes.
Red-billed Chough on Pastures: where is it located?
Red-billed Chough on Pastures is located in Canillo (Parish), Andorra.
Red-billed Chough on Pastures: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pic de Torradella, Pont Tibetà de Canillo, Sant Joan de Caselles.
Red-billed Chough on Pastures: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Red-billed Chough on Pastures: why is it worth visiting?
The Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) is a master of the skies above the alpine pastures of Canillo.
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Nearby cities

Cascada de les Moles — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Cascada de les Moles
Not a village, but an area named after a beautiful waterfall, a popular excursion spot.
Molleres — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Molleres
A small village in the Canillo valley, known for its sunny location and traditional architecture.
L&#39;Aldosa de Canillo — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
L'Aldosa de Canillo
A small, charming village near Canillo, offering a quiet, rural atmosphere.
El Vilar — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
El Vilar
A small residential settlement with views over the Canillo valley.
Prats — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Prats
A quiet village with panoramic views and the beautiful Sant Miquel de Prats church.
El Forn — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
El Forn
A high-altitude area above Canillo, accessible by cable car, offering an adventure park.
Planoles — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Planoles
A small grouping of houses near Meritxell, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Meritxell — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Meritxell
Home to the Sanctuary of Meritxell, the most important religious center and patron saint of Andorra.
Armiana — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Armiana
A tiny hamlet near El Tarter, surrounded by forests and mountains.
El Tarter — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
El Tarter
A village next to Soldeu, offering access to the Grandvalira ski area and known for its snowpark.
Ransol — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Ransol
A small village serving as a starting point for hikes into the Ransol Valley, known for its biodiversity.
Incles — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Incles
Known for the picturesque Incles Valley, a hiker's paradise with rich flora and fauna.
Bordes d&#39;Envalira — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Bordes d'Envalira
A modern development near the ski area, developed from renovated old shepherd huts.

More places

Mushroom Foraging Areas Canillo — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Mushroom Foraging Areas Canillo
In autumn, the forests of Canillo are a popular destination for foraging wild mushrooms such as porcini, chanterelles, and morels.
Weasel Farmlands Canillo — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Weasel Farmlands Canillo
Near farms and fields in Canillo, weasels can be found hunting small rodents.
Marmot Viewpoint Canillo — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Marmot Viewpoint Canillo
A known spot in the Canillo valley for watching alpine marmots in their natural habitat.
Cattle Grazing Pastures in Canillo — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Cattle Grazing Pastures in Canillo
In summer, the alpine pastures of Canillo are grazed by cattle, especially the native Andorran brown breed.
Stoat Mountain Meadows — Red-billed Chough on Pastures (Andorra)
Stoat Mountain Meadows
The stoat, which turns its coat white in winter, hunts in the mountain meadows and forests of Canillo.