Bird sounds of the Wales Coast Path 

[Welsh: Gylfinir] One of the most distinctive of wading birds, the curlew prefers to breed on higher ground but can be seen and heard along the coast for much of the year. In spring, watch out for the similar whimbrel, which stops off on its way north and gives a plainer, whinnying call as it flies.

Listen to the curlew call, or find out more about curlews

[Welsh: Bran Goesgoch] An undisputed favourite of many cliff-top walkers, the chough is a crow with a difference or two – namely its curved red beak and legs. The West Wales coastline remains a stronghold for this scarce bird. Only around 500 pairs nest in the whole of the UK. And its characterful yelps are usually delivered as it tumbles along the cliff edge, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing just as quickly.

Listen to the chough call, or find out more about choughs

[Welsh: Pioden y Mor] A familiar sound along rocky coastlines, where oystercatchers like to hang out. They often call, in their rather panicky way, as they fly parallel with the shore – a stop-motion picture in black-and-white, with a long red beak.

Listen to the oystercatcher call, or find out more about oystercatchers

[Welsh: Gwylan Goesddu] Named after its call, which is usually heard in chorus at a cliff-face colony numbering hundreds or thousands, the kittiwake is truly a ‘sea gull’. Unlike many of its cousins, it hardly ever strays inland, and spends the winter far out to sea. It returns to its precarious nesting places in the spring, particularly the cliffs around Anglesey and Pembrokeshire.

Listen to the kittiwake call, or find out more about kittiwakes

[Welsh: Cigfran] It’s the sound of a raven that often gives it away, as it sails high above your head. No other crow croaks as deeply, and when you clap eyes on it you can see why – it’s the size of a buzzard!

Listen to the raven call, or find out more about ravens