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THE CHOUGH IN CEREDIGION H. W. RODERICK The status of the Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) in Pembrokeshire and North Wales is well documented (Donovan, 1972 and Harrop, 1970). The 1963 census (Rolfe, 1966) indicated there were 9 pairs in Ceredigion (formerly Cardiganshire); 4 pairs on the coast and 5 inland. Ingram, Salmon and Condry (1966) state that the figures given "do not agree with our current information" and therefore the results cannot be used reliably for comparison with present or future results. An approximate figure of 15 pairs, all on the coast, was given in the Dyfed Bird Report (1967-71), resulting from records obtained during the Operation Seafarer survey. To get a more reliable estimate of the breeding population, in 1976 I undertook a census of the Choughs on the Ceredigion coast. All suitable parts of the coast were visited on foot, and although in some cases the actual nest site was not located, breeding or attempted breeding was assumed if birds were seen at a suitable site on more than one occasion. During the same year breeding was proven inland; this is discussed later. RESULTS Coastal sites Total of 15 pairs. Details cannot be given in full for reasons of security, but may be summarized as follows: Mean distance between sites (Km) Borth Llanrhystud 5 pairs 4.0 New Quay Cardigan Island 10 pairs 2.4 Inland sites 2 pairs Total breeding population in 1976 — 17 pairs DISCUSSION There appears to be little evidence from comparing the 1976 results with the few past records to suggest any change in the population. The more recent records show the population has remained stable in the last few years. The results show that the Chough is fairly evenly distributed along the coast where there are suitable nesting sites. The breeding population is densest along the south coast, where two of the sites were only 0.2km apart. Although it was not intended to survey possible inland sites, it was for- tunate that two pairs were located. There had been records of Choughs in that area for a number of years previously and they had probably been breeding in those years. Another site used in the past was not occupied (C. Helliwell, pers. comm.). It is worth mentioning that both sites are in areas of improved grassland with a high stocking density of sheep. Choughs are known to favour heavily grazed land because they are richer in dung beetles and ants. There were no records of Choughs in other inland areas during the breeding season, but it is possible that one or two pairs remain undiscovered in the north of the county. The 1963 census results show 5 inland pairs in