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Description
Photo: Arnold Sciberras
Scientific name of Chukar: Alectoris chukar
Maltese name: Pernica
status on the Maltese islands: common on the island of Comino, very rare elsewhere.
origin: Eurasia
Habitat: Garigue and wasteland
other info: an introduced species, mainly from the mid 80's, introduced by a local hunter who lives on Comino, as a game bird, but were not longer considered to be shot and were let free to breed on Comino. the species adapted so well that it colonised the whole island in just a decade or less so. it is very rare elsewhere cuz as soon as it lands on the mainlands, it is immediately shot by hunters. so Comino is their only refuge. if this species is let to colonise the main islands, Gozo and Malta, it will dominate the Garigue community with in a few decades. this species may be a breeding competitor with skylarks, larks and Quails that naturally breed locally. several other species of Partridges where introduced on Comino, and even Pheasants, but only this species seemed to take over. during the breeding season, only pairs are found roaming about, while in non breeding season. flocks up to 30 individuals(mainly of the same age) often occur. small chicks often follow their parents where ever they go, until they reach maturity. Rock doves and Rabbits are often seen feeding with Chukars. the name 'Chukar' derived from the sounds and calls they make such as 'choock choock choock.....'
now also sold in local pet shops.

Description
Photo: Arnold Sciberras
Scientific name of Chukar: Alectoris chukar
Maltese name: Pernica
status on the Maltese islands: common on the island of Comino, very rare elsewhere.
origin: Eurasia
Habitat: Garigue and wasteland
other info: an introduced species, mainly from the mid 80's, introduced by a local hunter who lives on Comino, as a game bird, but were not longer considered to be shot and were let free to breed on Comino. the species adapted so well that it colonised the whole island in just a decade or less so. it is very rare elsewhere cuz as soon as it lands on the mainlands, it is immediately shot by hunters. so Comino is their only refuge. if this species is let to colonise the main islands, Gozo and Malta, it will dominate the Garigue community with in a few decades. this species may be a breeding competitor with skylarks, larks and Quails that naturally breed locally. several other species of Partridges where introduced on Comino, and even Pheasants, but only this species seemed to take over. during the breeding season, only pairs are found roaming about, while in non breeding season. flocks up to 30 individuals(mainly of the same age) often occur. small chicks often follow their parents where ever they go, until they reach maturity. Rock doves and Rabbits are often seen feeding with Chukars. the name 'Chukar' derived from the sounds and calls they make such as 'choock choock choock.....'
now also sold in local pet shops.