First wild chough chick for 200 years 'missing'

There are thought to be fewer than 450 pairs of red-billed choughs in the UK

The first wild red-billed chough chick to be born in Kent for more than 200 years has not been seen for a month after going missing in strong winds.

Wild red-billed choughs had not been spotted in the county for two centuries, which Kent Wildlife Trust says is because of habitat loss and historic persecution.

A 40-year project by the trust to restore chalk grassland and create a suitable habitat around Dover Castle allowed several of the birds to be introduced into the area last year.

A young pair among those released successfully bred this summer, with the first chick fledging in June. However, said the chick has disappeared.

The trust said: "As of summer 2024, there are clear signs that the once-extinct red-billed chough will thrive again in the South East.

"Less than a year on from their release, and following the emergence of a breeding pair, the first wild chick for generations was hatched at Dover Castle.

"The chick fledged successfully in June, but unfortunately went missing during strong winds and hasn’t been seen since early July.

"Still, the birth is a milestone we didn’t expect to hit so early by any means."

A project to restore chalk grassland and create a suitable habitat has taken place around Dover Castle

Paul Hadaway, director of conservation and engagement at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “The red-billed chough reintroduction project in Dover demonstrates that - even with the perilous state of nature and wildlife in this country - it is still possible to restore nature and return missing species.

“We have laid the foundations for a successful release program that will see this flagship bird re-established in a county with which it has a long cultural association.”

The trust remains hopefully of further chicks, saying it did not expect to see one so early into the habitat project.

The project aims to have 15 pairs breeding in the wild in a decade.

According to Kentish legend, the chough got its bright red beak and legs by wading in the blood of Thomas Becket, the archbishop murdered in Canterbury cathedral by four knights.

The bird is featured in the Canterbury coat of arms.