Chukor
Alectoris chukar (J.E. Gray, 1830)
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
New Zealand status: Introduced
Conservation status: Introduced and Naturalised
Other names: chukar, chukor partridge, chukar partridge
Geographical variation: Most New Zealand chukor came from India, with some birds from Iran released into Marlborough. It is presumed that the two variants hybridised.
Chukor are boldly-marked gamebirds that in New Zealand are confined to South Island high country. They were introduced from Asia in the 1920s-1930s. Despite more than 80 years of captive-breeding and releases by acclimatisation societies, and more recently Fish & Game New Zealand, chukor are not numerous, and are declining in range.
Identification
The chukor is a medium-sized game bird, with a round squat body and sturdy legs. The dorsal surface is well camouflaged in ash grey, more rufous on the crown and shoulders. A prominent black band extends across the forehead, through the eye and down the side of the neck to join above the breast. The cheek and chin area enclosed by the black band is off-white. The flanks are prominently barred with black, white and chestnut. The dark eyes are surrounded in a red fleshy border. The bill is bright red and the legs are reddish-pink.
Voice: a strident crow chuck-er-chuck-er-chuckar-chuckar.
Similar species: the very similar red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is still being bred in captivity and released into the wild, but has failed to establish any wild populations. It differs from the chukor in being browner dorsally, having more chestnut showing in the bars on the flanks, having a more prominent white eyebrow, and having a gorget of black speckling below the black neck band. California quail is smaller, has an erect crest, no barring on the flanks, and males have a black face.
Distribution and habitat
Chukor are found in the South Island high country from Marlborough to Otago. They inhabit dry hill country, open shrubland and tussock lands with rock outcrops east of the Southern Alps, up to 2,000 metres. Chukor are occasionally seen at lower altitudes in Marlborough (Cape Campbell). The largest populations are in the Nelson Lakes, Seaward Kaikoura Range, McKenzie country and the ranges of Central Otago. North Island releases (mainly Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty) unsuccessful.
Population
No population estimates are available. Populations are widely scattered and fragmented, with many populations apparently in decline.
Economic impacts
Chukor are not recognised as having any conservation or economic impacts, beyond supporting a limited hunt. They are protected outside the May to August shooting season. It is likely that their numbers are mainly controlled by harsh weather, and predation by introduced mustelids (ferrets and stoats) and native birds of prey (swamp harrier and New Zealand falcon).
Breeding
Chukor form pairs in September, with the breeding season extending to January. The average clutch is 8 but clutches of up to 18 eggs being recorded. The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, hidden under the cover of tussocks or shrubs. Incubation is solely by the female and takes 3 weeks. The chicks leave the nest as soon as they are dry.
Behaviour and ecology
Young are cared for in family coveys accompanied by up to 10 adults. Outside the breeding season, chukor have been recorded as forming large coveys of 50 to 150 individuals.
Food
Chukor are predominantly vegetarian, foraging for seeds and foliage plus a few invertebrates. Food is obtained by pecking at the ground and foliage, and by scratching in soil.
Websites
References
Falla, R.A.; Sibson, R.B.; Turbott, E.G. 1966. A field guide to the birds of New Zealand. Collins, London.
Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 1996. The field guide to the birds of New Zealand. Viking, Auckland.
Lindsey, T.; Morris, R. 2000. Collins field guide to New Zealand wildlife. Harper Collins, Auckland.
Oliver, W.R.B. 1955. New Zealand birds. Reed, Wellington.
Thomson, G. M. 1922. The naturalisation of animals and plants in New Zealand. Cambridge University Press.
Westerkov, K.E. 1967. Know your New Zealand birds. Whitcombe & Tombs, Christchurch.
Wilson, K. 2004. Flight of the huia: ecology and conservation of New Zealand’s frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch.
Recommended citation
Seabrook-Davison, M.N.H. 2013. Chukor. In Miskelly, C.M. (ed.) New Zealand Birds Online. www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz
Chukor
- Breeding season
-
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Nest type
- scrape
- Nest description
- Scrape on ground in grass or rocks, under some cover such as tussock
- Nest height (mean)
- 0 m
- Nest height (min)
- 0 m
- Nest height (max)
- 0 m
- Maximum number of successful broods
- Unknown
- Clutch size (mean)
- 13
- Clutch size (min)
- 8
- Clutch size (max)
- 18
- Mean egg dimensions (length)
- 43 mm
- Mean egg dimensions (width)
- 31 mm
- Egg colour
- Cream with reddish-brown flecks
- Egg laying dates
-
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Interval between eggs in a clutch
- Unknown days
- Incubation behaviour
- female only
- Incubation length (mean)
- 24 days
- Nestling type
- precocial
- Nestling period (mean)
- Unknown
- Age at fledging (mean)
- Unknown
- Age at independence (mean)
- Unknown
- Age at first breeding (typical)
- Unknown
- Maximum longevity
- 12 years for New Zealand specimen
- Maximum dispersal
- Unknown