Definition

1. Noun:
   • A European corvine bird of small or medium size with red legs and glossy black plumage: A "chough" is a type of bird belonging to the crow family (Corvidae), characterized by its entirely black, shiny feathers and distinctive bright red or orange-red legs and beak.

Usage

• The word "chough" is a specific ornithological term. It is used to refer to this particular type of bird, most commonly in British and European contexts. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We were lucky to spot a chough nesting on the coastal cliffs.
  • The red-billed chough is a protected species in many parts of Europe.

Advanced Usage

• "Alpine chough": A specific species () found in high mountains, distinguished by a yellow beak.
  • The Alpine chough is often seen near ski resorts.
• "Red-billed chough": A specific species () with a long, curved red beak.
  • The red-billed chough's call is a distinctive "chee-ow".

Variants and Related Words

• Corvid (n): A member of the bird family Corvidae, which includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies.
  • Choughs, like ravens, are highly intelligent corvids.

Synonyms

• There are no direct common synonyms for this specific bird. General related terms include:
  • Corvine bird: A bird of the crow family.

Related Phrases

• As rare as a chough: An idiom (though very rare and regional) implying something is uncommon or seldom seen, referencing the bird's localized populations.
  • Finding a parking spot here is as rare as a chough.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "chough" refers exclusively to birds of the genus . It should not be confused with other black birds like crows or ravens, which have black legs and beaks. The red legs and beak are its defining features.

Noun

1. a European corvine bird of small or medium size with red legs and glossy black plumage