 The preferred feeding habitat is short grass produced by grazing , for example by sheep and rabbits , the numbers of which are linked to the chough 's breeding success . Suitable feeding areas can also arise where plant growth is hindered by exposure to coastal salt spray or poor soils . It will use its long curved bill to pick ants , dung beetles and emerging flies off the surface , or to dig for grubs and other invertebrates . The typical excavation depth of 2 – 3 cm ( 1 – 1 in ) reflects the thin soils which it feeds on , and the depths at which many invertebrates occur , but it may dig to 10 – 20 cm ( 4 – 8 in ) in appropriate conditions . 
