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Chukar

Alectoris chukar ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A native of southern Eurasia, the Chukar was introduced into the United States from Pakistan to be a game bird. It lives in arid, rocky terrain across the western United States and southern Canada.

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Appearance

Gamebirds
Gamebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small chicken-like bird. Short neck and tail. Grayish brown back and chest. Buffy belly. Bold black and chestnut barring on flanks. Black line through eye, down neck and onto chest. Throat white. Bill and legs red. Short, rounded wings.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but dull brownish gray with faint brown barring.

Range Map Help

Chukar Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male
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    Chukar

    Adult male
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Kern County, California, September 2000

Similar Species

  • Gray Partridge lacks black necklace, has reddish throat, and a dark bill.
  • Mountain Quail is darker, with a dark throat, and a long head plume.