Cornish Choughs head to Jersey

The chough has long been associated with Cornwall

Two pairs of Cornish choughs have been sent to Jersey to try and re-introduce them into the wild.

They were born at Paradise Park in Hayle and are being looked after by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

It's hoped they will breed and their young can be released.

Nick Reynolds from Paradise Park says: "It's taken a lot of time and perserevance and just getting the birds fit and giving them the right diet."

The Cornish Chough is recognised by its striking red feed and elegantly curved bill.

It was a well known sight throughout the UK, but after years of decline it disappeared from the county in 1973.

But the decline of the chough in Cornwall is believed to have started at the end of the 18th century. Back then there were concerns that choughs were suffering at the hands of sportsmen.

Here in Cornwall the chough has always been an important symbol. It features the county coat of arms.

Cornish folklore has it that King Arthur turned into a chough when he died and will return to rule again in the future.

They feed primarily on insects and larvae off the ground. Choughs usually mate for life and return to the same breeding sites year after year.