The Chukar (Alectoris chukar) is a bird that was imported from Pakistan many years ago as a game bird. It has naturalized in dry mountainous parts of the United States. My wife photographed this one along the long driveway to the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho on June 14. This was our first time to see this bird.
Chukar – Alectoris chukar
My son-in-law, 3 of my grandsons, and I took an overnight trip over to Hell’s Canyon on June 19th and saw this Chukar as we were driving down the Kleinschmidt Grade into Hell’s Canyon from Cuprum.
Chukar – Alectoris chukar
What a handsome bird. And a great photograph. He looks almost like a Quail. I hope he is getting along in his new environment & playing nice with the locals.
The chukar is related to quails, grouses, partridges. From the little bit of reading I’ve done, it appears that it is not a problem in the areas where it has become established. I’ll pass your comment on my wife’s photo to her. Thanks, Kathy.