2025 Isle of Man Chough Census

The Isle of Man is extremely important for Chough, hosting 33% of the UK and IOM population.

The whole Island Chough Census is carried out at roughly 10 yearly intervals and are integral in gathering vital information to help conserve the species.

The 2025 Chough census

A total of 121 breeding pairs were recorded, comprising 101 confirmed, 10 probable, and 10 possible pairs. An estimate of the number of non-breeding birds was not attained for 2025.

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The Red-billed Chough is an iconic Manx bird

They are a charismatic member of the crow family, easily recognised by their bright red bill and legs, aerobatic flight, and distinctive call.

Why undertake this census?

The whole Island Chough Census is carried out at roughly 10 yearly intervals. Repeating this decadal census is vitally important to understand the population status and inform actions to protect the species for generations to come.

Results of the 2025 Chough census

A total of 121 breeding pairs were recorded, comprising 101 confirmed, 10 probable, and 10 possible pairs. An estimate of the number of non-breeding birds was not attained for 2025.

A Concerning Decline

This figure of 121 pairs is down 24% on the results of the 2014/15 census which counted 160 pairs. It’s the first major decline in decades for this iconic Manx bird.

The results also show changes in where Chough are nesting across the Island. There were serious declines recorded in the East and West, dropping 39% and 48%, respectively since 2015 but the South coast remains the Island’s stronghold with over a third of all breeding pairs. Inland nesting continues to grow, with Chough increasingly making use of farm buildings, tholtans, and other man-made structures. The number of pairs on the Northern Plains remained stable.

Call to action

A ten-year census interval provides valuable high-level trend data, but caution must be applied when making inferences about the Manx Chough population from this dataset alone. Tracking productivity, adult survival and recruitment is required to understand population trajectories and determine the drivers of change at the local and Island-wide level.

We are calling for closer population monitoring, expanded colour-ringing of young birds to track their movements and survival, as well as closer collaboration with landowners and conservation partners.

Manx BirdLife will publish a Chough Biodiversity Action Plan in partnership with DEFA and the Manx Wildlife Trust. The plan will outline the research required to understand the drivers of the population downturn and layout a road map for reversing the decline.

“The Chough is an iconic Manx bird, and while the population here remains substantial, the declines we’ve recorded are a real concern”

Richard Seed, the Manx BirdLife Chough Census Fieldworker

Thank you to those who made this work possible

Manx BirdLife is especially grateful to the many dedicated volunteers who carried out fieldwork for the census. The project was also supported by a number of organisations, including Manx Wildlife Trust, the Manx Chough Project, Manx National Heritage, the RSPB, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, whose contributions, both practical and financial, were vital to the success of the survey.