Chukor (Alectoris chukar)

Size: 31 cm, 600/500gm (male/female)

Description: Large quail shaped bird with grey upper head, neck and upperparts, black and white bars on flanks. Bright red legs and bill. Solid cleanblack necklace from above bill crossing eye down to low on the throat. Inside necklace creamy. Short wings used for moderate flights. Call: chuck-er-chuck-er-chuckar-chuckar.

Habitat: Dry rocky hillsides east of the Southern Alps. Particularly those with sparse scrub and tussock.

Status: Locally common Asian introduction. Unknown population but numbers presumed reasonably high.

Breeding: September - February. Nest is rocky scrape under tussock. 8-18 eggs incubated by female.

Where and how to photograph: Mt John near Lake Tekapo is a good spot. Chukor are very timid and can fly well, so good stalking is required.

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