THE Chukar partridge is a species from Southern Europe and Asia which was brought into South Africa by sailors and confiscated by custom officials.
They were released on Table Mountain, Villiersdorp, Robben Island and KZN, with only about 500 of those on Robben Island surviving.
The bird’s voice is a loud, crowing “chuk, chuk, chuk… per chuk .. per chuk … chuckar”. The harsh “chak chak” at the end can last up to five minutes.
Its habitat is semi arid, stony scrub.
It is seen in pairs when breeding but is otherwise gregarious. The Chukar partridge runs well over rough ground and flies strongly, usually low.
It feeds on seeds, leaves and some insects and lays up to 15 eggs, weighing an average 19g.
Incubation lasts 22 to 24 days and fledgings remain for about 50 days but can fly after seven to 10 days.
