A chattering of ‘extinct’ Choughs have returned to King Arthur’s castle for the first time in 100 years.
These legendary birds have been spotted for the first time in a century at the conception site of the mythical monarch.
The tale states that the soul of King Arthur is said to live on through the red-billed birds.
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They have now been spotted back at Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The discovery was made by members of English Heritage on Thursday (14 May).
Choughs first disappeared from Cornwall in 1973 – with sightings ramping up since a breeding pair arrived in Lizard in 2021.
When the birds first vanished in the mid-20th century it was seen by locals as a bad omen.
As well as being linked to the legend of King Arthur the Chough has always been a key symbol of Cornwall.
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A spokesperson for English Heritage stated: “Rare choughs have returned to Tintagel Castle for the first time in around 100 years.
“And if you know the legend of King Arthur… you’ll know why that’s a pretty big deal.
“For centuries, Cornish legend has said King Arthur’s soul lives on as a chough.
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“Now they’ve been spotted circling the cliffs at the legendary site of Arthur’s conception once again.
“Choughs became extinct in Cornwall in 1973, which some saw as a bad omen.
“But thanks to years of conservation work restoring habitats along Cornwall’s coastline, they’re back.”
Members of the public have been left buzzing with the return of the birds.
One person said: “I bet you’re Chough-ed to bits.”
One other person said: “It’s lovely to see their return is becoming so widespread. From the Lizard to Tintagel – amazing.”
Another person added: “Very entertaining species, great news.”
One person said: “Wonderful to see the Chough’s back here and other parts of Cornwall.”
Another person said: “Such a fantastic place.”
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