BigRedBirder (talk | contribs) |
m (format) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
;Alectoris chukar | ;Alectoris chukar | ||
− | [[Image:Chukar.jpg|thumb|450px|right|Photo by geomorph < | + | [[Image:Chukar.jpg|thumb|450px|right|Photo by geomorph.<br/>Photo taken: Heber Valley, [[Utah]], USA.]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
− | + | Length 32-35cm | |
*Light brown back | *Light brown back | ||
*Grey breast | *Grey breast | ||
Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. | When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. | ||
===Similar Species=== | ===Similar Species=== | ||
− | It is very similar to [[Rock Partridge]] | + | It is very similar to the [[Rock Partridge]], but is browner on the back and has a yellowish tinge to the foreneck. The sharply defined gorget distinguishes this species from the [[Red-legged Partridge]]. |
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
− | This partridge has its main (native) range in Asia from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in the east to southeastern Europe in the west, and is closely related and similar to its western equivalent, the Red-legged Partridge | + | This partridge has its main (native) range in Asia from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in the east to southeastern Europe in the west, and is closely related and similar to its western equivalent, the [[Red-legged Partridge]]. It has been introduced widely, and became established in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Hawaii. In Great Britain, hybrids between this species and the also introduced [[Red-legged Partridge]] are common. |
==Habitat:== | ==Habitat:== | ||
This is a resident breeder in dry, open, and often hilly country. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 8 to 20 eggs. Chukars will take a wide variety of seeds and some insects as food; however, Drooping Brome (Cheatgrass) is this species' strong food preference. | This is a resident breeder in dry, open, and often hilly country. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 8 to 20 eggs. Chukars will take a wide variety of seeds and some insects as food; however, Drooping Brome (Cheatgrass) is this species' strong food preference. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
− | |||
==Voice== | ==Voice== | ||
Line 28: | Line 27: | ||
This species is relatively unaffected by hunting or loss of habitat due to its remote and physically demanding terrain preferences. Its numbers from year to year are most largely affected by weather patterns during the breeding season. | This species is relatively unaffected by hunting or loss of habitat due to its remote and physically demanding terrain preferences. Its numbers from year to year are most largely affected by weather patterns during the breeding season. | ||
− | The Chukar is the | + | The Chukar is the national bird of [[Pakistan]] and the name is derived from Chakhoor in Urdu. |
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Alectoris+chukar}} | {{GSearch|Alectoris+chukar}} | ||
− | [[Category:Birds]] | + | [[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Alectoris]] [[Category:Incomplete]] |
Revision as of 04:34, 27 January 2008
- Alectoris chukar
Identification
Length 32-35cm
- Light brown back
- Grey breast
- Buff belly
- White face
- Black gorget
- Rufous-streaked flanks
- Red legs
When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings.
Similar Species
It is very similar to the Rock Partridge, but is browner on the back and has a yellowish tinge to the foreneck. The sharply defined gorget distinguishes this species from the Red-legged Partridge.
Distribution
This partridge has its main (native) range in Asia from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in the east to southeastern Europe in the west, and is closely related and similar to its western equivalent, the Red-legged Partridge. It has been introduced widely, and became established in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Hawaii. In Great Britain, hybrids between this species and the also introduced Red-legged Partridge are common.
Habitat:
This is a resident breeder in dry, open, and often hilly country. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 8 to 20 eggs. Chukars will take a wide variety of seeds and some insects as food; however, Drooping Brome (Cheatgrass) is this species' strong food preference.
Taxonomy
Voice
The song is a noisy chuck-chuck-chukar-chukar.
Discussion
This species is relatively unaffected by hunting or loss of habitat due to its remote and physically demanding terrain preferences. Its numbers from year to year are most largely affected by weather patterns during the breeding season.
The Chukar is the national bird of Pakistan and the name is derived from Chakhoor in Urdu.