Chukar Partridge

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Woko
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Chukar Partridge

Yesterday & again today I've had sightings of a bird I've identified as a Chukar Partridge, a species from the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan. Hold that thought: Ms Woko has just told me that it also ranges through Russia, China & Nepal. 

This morning's sighting was from a distance of about 6 meters & it seemed unfusssed by my presence leading me to believe it is an escapee. So far my sightings have been of a single bird, fortunately, although my reading tells me that it breeds in summer. I'm hoping it won't be joined by a summer breeding companion which is unlikely if it's an escapee. Should it become established here on the s.e. slopes of the Mt Lofty Ranges in S.A. it will likely threaten at least the sparse population of native Stubble Quails. 

sue818
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They seem to be turning up often as escapees in a number of places in Australia but generally in a cityscape. Let us hope they do not breed. I wonder if they are great at escaping or just poorly contained as pets.

Woko
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The latter, I suspect, Sue. Our natural environment is at risk even from caged birds because there's no guarantee they'll be securely held. 

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