Chukars are round-bellied partridges that have spread from their native Asian habitats to North America as feral populations. They have multiplied in our area and we can now spot them in the lower Batchelor Hills, near Deep Lake, and on the Sun Rivers Bench in flocks/coveys.

Chukar pair off in summer to breed. Males are loud and showy in the mating season. Eggs are laid in small depressions near bushes (sagebrush in our area) in unforested areas, or under rock overhangs. When the eggs hatch, the parents help the chicks with foraging and work with the covey to watch for predators.

Over winter, we see the birds foraging for food or roosting in sheltered spots (L. Webster photo).