Winter Flocks to the Foothills
While the rest of the life in the foothills tucks away for a Utah Winter, the Chukar Partridge is a friendly face. This Eurasian game bird was introduced to our state in 1935 with the original intention of creating more upland hunting opportunities for folks in the area.
Originating from landscapes in the Middle East and spanning through Asia, the Chukar Partridge has adapted incredibly well to our slice of the Rocky mountain Range. These medium sized birds can often be seen in our Foothills area where they feed off our invasive Cheatgrass along with native foliage and insects.
If you’ve ever run into them, chances are you’ve only noticed them once they’ve taken flight. The Chukar is often elusive with a startling takeoff noise. They travel in pacts called coveys which can range anywhere from five to forty birds. They often make their nests close to water and on sloped hillsides with plenty of sagebrush coverage.
While winter might not seem like the most interesting time in this local landscape, there’s more than meets the eye. Our foothills are important ecosystems all year long. The next time you’re taking a stroll on the Shoreline Trail, see if you can spot these local winged friends!