Alectoris Chukar

The chukar is an Old World Species, native to southern Eurasia. It is considered an exotic in the U.S. and was introduced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), as an upland game bird. It has been introduced by other state wildlife agencies in suitable habitats, particularly in the Intermountain West.

Chukars are enjoyed by many who are hearty and can climb after them in the rugged rocky hill terrain that they prefer. They travel in coveys and are not hard to locate when present, since they are extremely vocal with a series of "chuck, chuck, chuck" notes.

A good local spot to find chukar is on Antelope Island State Park. While guiding a family visiting Utah from Tampa, Fla., earlier this month, we observed a covey of 14 birds.

The striking facial pattern is distinctive. A black eye line extends from the front of the forehead through the eye, sweeping down onto the breast like a bib. The under chin and cheek is white. The back and upper parts are a gray-brown. The barred flanks are streaked in black and white. The breast is gray and the under parts are buffy beige. The mandible and legs are red. It is a chicken-sized bird that stands 15 inches tall and weigh between 1 and weigh 1-1.5 lbs.

The chukar takes advantage of all water sources: rivers, creeks, springs, seeps, and in the west desert, guzzlers. The DWR has installed more than 40-50 guzzlers and has others planned. A guzzler is essentially a cistern that captures and holds 300-400 gallons of water. It is available for use by the chukar, as well as a host of other birds and wildlife.

They are hearty birds. Young are born with their eyes open, covered in down and are able to leave the nest and feed immediately after hatching.

Bill Fenimore is owner of the Layton, Wild Bird Center, www.wildbird.com/layton, author of Backyard Birds of Utah and member of the Utah Wildlife Board. Join the Wild Bird Center for a free Bird Walk to see bald eagles on Eagle Day in northern Utah, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m., leaving from the Layton, Wild Bird Center. Call 801-525-8400 for more details.