Chukar partridge

Chukar partridge

Alectoris chukar

Common name:

Chukar partridge

Scientific name:

Alectoris chukar

Alternative common names:


Description:

The chukar partridge has an extremely large indigenous range, spanning countries from Eastern Europe to China, Russia and Africa.Itfeeds on seeds, grasses, bulbs, stems, fruit and leaves. Its head, chest and rear are grey and it has white cheeks and a white throat surrounded by a black band.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Middle East, Asia, eastern Greece and south-eastern Bulgaria through Asia Minor east and Manchuria China.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 2 on mainland; 1b on offshore islands.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape (Robben Island).

How does it spread?

Humans are responsible for spreading this bird species through pet trade.

Why is it a problem?

It is susceptible to several avian diseases and might act as a vector for infections that can be passed from avian hosts to humans, such as chlamydia.

What does it look like?

Description: It has vivid black and white stripes that decorate the wings and a black band that runs across the eyes, resembling a blindfold. The upper body and head feathers are brown, becoming bluish-grey towards the lower body and tail. The face is white and the orange beak is short and strong. Chicks have cream and brown down with pale undersides.

Habitat: It prefers arid habitats and inhabits open, rocky, dry mountain slopes, hillsides or canyon walls, from below sea level to an elevation of 3 660m.

Breeding: It breeds from April-July once yearly, depending on environmental conditions. The female typically lays a clutch of 7-12 eggs, which are incubated for 22-25 days.

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