Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Chukar Partridge

 Chukar (Alectoris chukar)

Although this bird is native to southern Eurasia, a feral population now exists in North America, some of which reside in south central Ontario. It's a gamebird, a member of the pheasant family.

Chukar partially behind cedar bush

Supposedly they prefer arid, rocky terrain, but two or more were hanging around a brand-new holding pond in a subdivision near us that's under construction.

Chukar edging its way out

Apparently they are quite hardy and can survive winters much further north than where I live an hour north of Toronto.

When I looked them up on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site, I saw on their map that these partridges are well established in the western U.S and in southern parts of Canadian  Province of British Columbia. I think they are finding it quite pleasant here north of Toronto as well.

I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE

47 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

They are very similar to the Red-Legged Partridge which has established itself over here. Attractive birds, far to pretty to shoot.

Revrunner said...

I've never seen one of these birds.

Ileana said...

This bird is beautiful! Great shots!

Kathy said...

We do have pear trees here in East Texas but unfortunately no partridges to go in them.

Roan said...

I've never seen a Chukar before. Beautiful birds!

Shammickite said...

Nice photos of an interesting bird. I wonder how they first arrived in N America?

MadSnapper said...

the painted face is my favorite part of this beautiful bird.. it looks like someone colored it with markers.. the second shot would make a beautiful card..

Mersad said...

Wonderful shots. You really managed to get close, and pull us in as well.

William Kendall said...

It is pretty. I've never heard of that kind of bird before.

TexWisGirl said...

really beautiful! i think i saw a similar partridge featured on an aussie or new zealand blog last week. :)

Small City Scenes said...

What a pretty bird. I like the markings. MB

Anonymous said...

Great shots of a beautiful bird.

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful bird. We see Chukars for sale on our way to Springfield, Missouri which is in the southwest part of the state.

Judy said...

Your pictures of birds never stop amazing me! I am still waiting for you to publish your own bird book!

Darla said...

Interesting bird facts. This bird looks "stately" to me.

Darla

RedPat said...

I've never seen one - maybe they don't like the traffic in the city, EG! ;-)

cieldequimper said...

Considering we are already in winter here, I'm now singing "and a partridge in a pear tree...". Thanks a lot! :-)
Lovely photos of a pretty bird!

Rohrerbot said...

You are SO lucky!!!!! Jealous and great bird! Thanks for the info on these birds.

Linda W. said...

Interesting bird, and nice photos of it.

Unknown said...

A pretty bird. Not easy to spot with the earthy colours.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your photos are amazing!!! These kind of birds are very shy, I don't know how you did it!! He looks like he is posing. I have never seen one quite like this, beautiful!

Karen said...

Now that's an usual bird to see here! Cool!

Hootin Anni said...

Their beauty shines...and by the face, they must have an exceptional personality!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

They have beautiful markings on them.

Adam Jones said...

Great close ups. It's similar to our Red legged partridge here in the UK.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful bird shot!

eileeninmd said...

A cool bird and a great sighting..Awesome shots.

DeniseinVA said...

Such a neat bird, and great shots! I would be thrilled to catch a sight of him, never having seen one before.

Rose said...

They are a beautiful bird...need to look them up to see size.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful bird this is!!

Michelle said...

He looks rather serious.

Arija said...

Such a pretty bird and, as you say, quite hardy. As long as it is not displacing native species it seems like a good immigrant.

Susan said...

Beautiful bird, I really like the striped plumage on the side.

A Colorful World said...

What a lovely bird! I will have to look them up because I am so curious as to when & how they came to N. America. Great post!

Randy said...

Looks like a chubby little thing.

Anonymous said...

That's a very well fed looking bird!

Breathtaking said...

Hi! The Chukar Partridge is very attractive. Lovely photos of this eye catching bird.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

How wonderful to have seen this beautiful Partridge and your images are fantastic!

NatureFootstep said...

unusual to see a bird like that. Love it. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

The Chukar is so lovely.
Wonderful pictures you have taken!
Specially the last one.

Hugs
JetteMajken

Halcyon said...

He's a cute little thing.

MICKAN from QUEENS FIELD¸.•°`♥✿⊱╮ said...

Really nice photos on a pretty bird!

Barb said...

Such clarity - I can count the feathers! We have grouse but I haven't seen this partridge.

Gail Dixon said...

That is a beautiful bird! So exotic looking. Your images are awesome! I wish I was up north with them to escape this horrid heat.

Pat Tillett said...

It's a nice looking bird. I guess they haven't made it out here yet. Nice pics!

Jack said...

Your bird knowledge is remarkable, EG, as is your bird photography.

Mike said...

Good looking bird, for sure! Nice photos.

Iowa Voice

Friends who encourage me

Blog Archive

About Me

My photo
East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.