CHOUGH (Pyrrliocorax graculus), a bird of the crow family. It inhabits mountains and rocky coasts in Europe and North Africa. The combined effects of persecution by man and compe tition with the jackdaw (q.v.) have reduced its numbers greatly and it is now rare. Recognized by its black plumage and bright red legs and red, curved beak, the Cornish chough is more slen derly built than the crows. The Alpine chough (P. graculus), with a yellow bill, is gregarious.