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 hardy and can climb after them in the rugged rocky hill terrain that the birds 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 Antelope Island State Park.

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 underparts are buffy beige. The mandible and legs are red. It is a chicken-sized bird that stands 15 inches tall and weighs between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds.

The chukar takes advantage of all water sources: rivers, creeks, springs, seeps and, in places where they are available, guzzlers, cisterns that capture and hold up to 400 gallons of water.

The DWR has installed more than 50 guzzlers and has more planned. The guzzlers are available for use by the chukar, as well as a host of other birds and wildlife.

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

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* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center. See chukar on Antelope Island on Saturday with an 8 a.m. departure from the store. Call 801-525-8400 or visit www.wildbird.com/layton for more details.