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Upland birds are known for several traits which distinguish them from other birds. They are chicken-like in appearance, and have short, rounded wings, short heavy bills, and heavy bodies. They stay on dry ground and seek cover in brush or woodlands. Typically, these birds do not migrate, but adapt to seasonal changes. |
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Chukar
Alectoris chukar
At-a-Glance
• Peak Breeding Activity: April-July
• Incubation: 22-24 days
• Clutch Size: 8-15 eggs
• Young Fledge: 7-10 days after hatching
• Typical Foods: vegetation and insects |
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Description
Chukars are gray-brown above with a buff belly. A dark black line across the forehead, eyes, and down the neck contrasts the white throat from the gray head and breast. Flanks are barred black and white-chestnut and the outer tail feathers are chestnut. The bill, margins of eyelids, legs, and feet are pink to red.
Habitat and Habits
The chukar is originally introduced in North America as a game species, where it inhabits brushy slopes and grasslands.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are simple scrapes, sometimes lined with grass or feathers, in rocky or brushy areas. The young are precocial, or highly developed upon hatching, and are capable of flight within a few weeks. They reach adult size in 12 weeks. |
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