Eunoia
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Chukar Partridge
The Chukar Partridge is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, originally brought from Eurasia for sport hunting. It is established in southern BC, particularly in dry, open grasslands, rocky slopes, and agricultural field edges, and is managed as a regulated hunting species.
Yellow Listed
Human Health Hazard
Conservation Status
Syilx
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Description
Adults are medium-sized, stocky birds, measuring 32–35 cm in length with a wingspan of 50–60 cm and weighing 400–550 g. They have light brown to sandy bodies, grayish underparts, bold black-and-white facial stripes, red legs, and a short red bill. Females are slightly duller with less distinct facial markings.
Habitat
Chukars prefer dry, open areas with sparse vegetation, rocky hillsides, grasslands, and agricultural edges. They roost on the ground in hidden or elevated sites and rely on rocks, shrubs, or hedgerows for nesting and protection from predators.
Food
They are primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, and plant material, but also consume insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Foraging occurs mostly on the ground.
Social System, Activity & Movements
Chukar Partridges are social outside the breeding season, forming small coveys of 5–15 birds for foraging and protection. During breeding, males establish territories and display to attract females.
Reproduction & Parental Care
Breeding occurs in spring, with females laying 8–15 eggs per clutch in a shallow, ground-level nest concealed in vegetation or rocks. Incubation lasts about 23–25 days, with the female solely responsible for incubation, while both parents lead precocial chicks to forage shortly after hatching.
Natural Mortality & Predators
Predators include raptors, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and domestic cats. Eggs and young chicks are particularly vulnerable, while adults rely on camouflage and vigilant covey behavior. Hunting is another source of mortality but is regulated.
Credit
ChatGPT