Chukar Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Chukars are chickenlike game birds with a plump body, short legs, and a small round head. In flight, the tail is square and the wings are broad and rounded.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a California Quail, smaller than a Ring-necked Pheasant.

  between robin and crow

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 13.4-15.0 in (34-38 cm)
    • Weight: 19.0-27.0 oz (538-765 g)
    • Wingspan: 20.1 in (51 cm)
• Color Pattern

  Chukars are sandy brown overall with bold, vertical black bars on the sides. A dark band through the eyes wraps around the white cheek and throat. A red bill and eyering tops off the look.

• Behavior

  Chukars are ground-dwelling birds that would rather walk or run than fly. They run up rocky slopes with ease and hop from rock to rock, easily outpacing a human. When frightened they explode into the air with a piercing squeal.

• Habitat

  Chukars occupy steep rocky grasslands and shrublands in remote and rugged areas that are difficult traverse. They also use dry pasture lands and sagebrush flats in the West.