Chukar - Ross Feldner

The Chukar is a plump, ground-dwelling bird in the pheasant family, native to Eurasia but introduced to North America as a game bird. Chukars are known for their habit of running uphill and flying downhill, making them a challenging target for hunters. 

In the non-breeding season, Chukars form small coveys of 10 or more (up to 50) birds. During breeding time cocks are very pugnacious in their calling and fighting and perform “tidbitting” displays, a form of courtship feeding where the male pecks at food and a female may visit to peck in response. Males then chase females with head lowered, wing lowered and neck fluffed.

Chukars call frequently during the day and especially in the mornings and evenings. The call is loud and includes loud repeated chuck notes and sometimes duetting chukar notes.

When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance often down a slope on rounded wings, calling immediately after alighting.

Its nest is a loosely-lined scrape in the ground or placed in a rocky hillside under an overhanging rock. The nest is sheltered by ferns and small bushes,

Chukars eat a wide variety of seeds, berries and insects with chicks joining their parents in foraging.

Groups usually roost in a tight circle with their heads pointed outwards to conserve heat and keep a look out for predators.