Resting Choughs

[CMunzel]

White-Winged Choughs are often seen scratching around on the forest floor in the large family groups, never flying high in the sky or alone. Their dark plumage and habits make them very difficult to photograph. This small group was resting in the shade out of the 40 degree summer heat. 

[Clicker]

Rarely see Choughs here ... only about 400 breeding pairs left ...  No white winged ones as far as I know ..... but the Choughs have red beaks and red legs and pair for life ... You did well to see them Cheryl!

[CMunzel]

My bird watching eyes spotted them while I was driving. I’ve read about your choughs which are Corvids, is that right? So many species struggling….

[Denis]

They do look a grumpy lot Cheryl !

[CMunzel]

Ha ha, Yes, it’s true, they do look like a grumpy lot, Dennis. Something about their beak shape and eyes. 

[Paul]

Our choughs are Covidae, and I have never seen one as far as I can recall.

Good capture Cheryl.

Paul.

[CMunzel]

Thanks Paul. I thought your choughs were Corvids but I don’t think these are. 

[Denis]

Yes, wiki says they are only very distantly related, and part of the Corcoracidae family and not Corvidae......apparently!

[Kobione]

Good catch Cheryl, they can be very active at times when they are digging around. I don't get to see any down here.

[CMunzel]

20 hours ago, Denis said:

Yes, wiki says they are only very distantly related, and part of the Corcoracidae family and not Corvidae......apparently!

That’s what I thought. Thank you for doing the research, Dennis.