Distribution and habitat Alpine chough

cliffs nearby alpine pasture provide nesting sites.

the alpine chough breeds in mountains spain eastwards through southern europe , alps across central asia , himalayas western china. there populations in morocco, corsica , crete. non-migratory resident throughout range, although moroccan birds have established small colony near málaga in southern spain, , wanderers have reached czechoslovakia, gibraltar, hungary , cyprus.

this high-altitude species breeding between 1,260–2,880 metres (4,130–9,450 ft) in europe, 2,880–3,900 m (9,450–12,800 ft) in morocco, , 3,500–5,000 m (11,500–16,400 ft) in himalayas. has nested @ 6,500 m (21,300 ft), higher other bird species, surpassing red-billed chough has diet less adapted highest altitudes. has been observed following mountaineers ascending mount everest @ altitude of 8,200 m (26,900 ft). nests in cavities , fissures on inaccessible rock faces, although locally use holes between rocks in fields, , forages in open habitats such alpine meadows , scree slopes tree line or lower, , in winter congregate around human settlements, ski resorts, hotels , other tourist facilities. penchant waiting hotel windows food popular tourists, less hotel owners.