Chukar partridge

A non-native partridge occasionally encountered as a released bird in Quebec.

About this label

These birds generally do not form established wild populations in Quebec. Hunting opportunities mainly involve captive-raised birds released for hunting, dog training, or competition activities. Regular season, licence, zone, and gear rules still apply.

Official Quebec source

Field guide

A non-native partridge occasionally encountered as a released bird in Quebec.

Identification

Shared features

Red bill and legs, black face band and bold barred flanks.

Male

Both sexes have a red bill and legs, black face border and barred flanks. Males may be slightly larger and have a more developed leg spur, but plumage alone rarely gives a reliable sex.

Female

The female has the same face and flank pattern, often with a smaller or absent spur. Size and spur overlap, especially in young birds, so sex may remain uncertain.

Habitat

Released birds may use dry, open slopes, rough grass and rocky edges; local presence depends on releases.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, look around open feeding ground near release sites.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, check rocky shade and nearby cover rather than exposed ground.

Evening

At dusk, listen and watch as birds move into open feeding areas.

Sounds

A repeated, accelerating chucking call gives the chukar its English name.

Recorded calls

Chukar partridge

Field recording of a chukar. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

twig777 · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source