One of Scotland's rarest birds, the chough, is to be the subject of a national survey to see how its population is faring.
The study aims to assess current numbers of the red-billed birds - believed to be around 60 pairs - after years of decline.
In Scotland, choughs are only found in a small area of the south-west, with 90 per cent concentrated on Islay.
Naturalists believe 14 pairs were lost between 2002 and 2012.
A team of surveyors has now begun work to chart the fortunes of the "acrobatic" birds, known for their flamboyant flying style.
Researchers are particularly concerned about the survival rates of young birds in their first year.
It is thought variations in weather and food supply could be having an impact on the survival of the young choughs.
RSPB research assistant Michal Sur walks up to 20km a day searching Islay's most remote areas for the birds.
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