The CHUKAR PARTRIDGE, Alectoris chukar, also called just the Chukar,
has the widest range of Alectoris partridges, from Turkey through Central Asia to the central part of Far East Asia.
It has several subspecies over its range. The name Chukar comes from its call "chuk-chuk-chuka."
It has a slightly browner back and slightly darker throat than the Rock Partridge (below).
The Chukar is well-camouflaged in its rocky habitat, the stripes breaking up the outline.
They live in small flocks. (Photo above right in flight by Alexandra Makhnina.)
The ROCK PARTRIDGE, Alectoris graeca, of southeastern Europe and part of Arabia is related to the
similar-looking Chukar (above), the Arabian (below) and the Barbary Partridge from North Africa as well as to the Red-legged Partridge of Western Europe.
The ARABIAN PARTRIDGE, Alectoris melanocephala, is native to the far south-western corner of the Arabian Peninsula.