Subfamily Perdicinae
The chukar partridge Alectoris chukar
The chukar partridge (or chukar) is a medium-sized bird. Its body length is 35 cm; the weight varies from 350 to 800 g. The chukar partridge has a chunky body, short neck, large head with a short red bill, medium-length legs, and fairy long tail. The chukar has a large native range, spanning from the mountainous areas of the Balkan Peninsula in the west to China and the Himalayas in the east. Chukar partridges are quite prolific: the female may lay a clutch of 7 to 22 eggs, which are incubated for about 25 days. In summer, the diet of the chukar includes both animal and plant foods, while in winter, these birds feed predominantly on plants. Chukars prefer walking rather than flying; when threatened, they usually run uphill, skilfully and swiftly moving on the cliffy mountain slops and rockfalls. They would take off in the air only in critical situation, but their flight is usually short; they soon start gliding and then descend to the ground. Chukar partridges are sedentary birds, staying in their home range in winter; however, seasonal altitudinal movements may occur, as they move from higher elevations to lower terrain during heavy snows.
