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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 to North America as a game bird. A handsome little cinnamon and gray partridge with striking stripes along its sides and a bright red bill and feet, the Chukar is a distinctive game bird. Since the 1940s this species has established itself in the Great Basin and southern Canada, where it lives in arid, rocky terrain. It has also been introduced to Hawaii.

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
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

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.

    Regional Differences

    The Chukar varies slightly in color across its native range in Eurasia. In more humid areas they are darker and more tinged with olive-brown on the upperparts and are more warmly colored on the underparts, whereas birds in more arid areas tend to be grayer and paler, less brown on the upperparts and paler on the underparts.

    Find This Bird

    Once in a while Chukars venture into neighborhoods, but usually you have to take a trip to the wild shrublands to find this bird. Their colors blend into their habitat, but look for their striking red bills and striped sides as they run along the ground, and listen for their wide array of calls and sounds.

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