Chukar| Length: 14 inches | Wingspan: 22 inches | Seasonality: All Seasons |
| ID Keys: Reddish bill and eye-ring, buff-colored face and throat, prominent black band around face and throat | ||
Chukar
Alectoris chukar
The Chukar is a native of the Middle East and southern Asia, but has been widely introduced throughout much of the western United States. Multiple attempts to introduce the Chukar to South Dakota were made, but were apparently unsuccessful, although individuals (possibly escaped) are found from time to time. They have benefited from the introduction of Eurasian plant species on which they feed in their native lands.
Habitat: Seems to prefer sloped areas with sufficient vegetative cover, such as brushy mountain slopes and canyon sides. Also can be found in expansive cheatgrass areas with scattered sagebrush.
Diet: Will eat a variety of seeds, leaves, grasses, berries, and insects. A large portion of the diet may be, ironically, from introduced Eurasian species such as cheatgrass and its seeds.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.
Song: Series of whiny clucks ending in chuKAR chuKAR.
Migrations: Generally a permanent resident throughout its North American range.
Similar Species: Gray Partridge
Feeders: Will occasionally feed on seed scattered on the ground.
Status: Has become well established in parts of the
west. Introductions in the state evidently have failed. Individual
birds seen in the state are likely escapees from captivity.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Chukar
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Chukar"
Photo Information: October 7th, 2006 - Minnehaha County - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Chukar photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
