Atlas of nesting birds in Bulgaria

Chukar

(Alectoris chukar)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 1 500 – 3 000 pairs

Distribution pattern

With patchy distribution in the forestless stony parts of South-eastern Bulgaria in Derventa Hills, Sakar and the Eastern Rhodopes, with grouped sites in neighbouring squares in Slivenska Mountain, and dispersed in some hilly areas of the Thracian Plain, Sredna Gora, Karnobat Plain and even the Fore Balkan. Distribution is partly affected by resettlements in the past and during the present period. In 2003, about 30 pairs were settled in Sveti Ivan Island near Sozopol.

Big size map

Breeding distribution 2013 – 2020 – The distribution and the estimation of the population size of the species for the period 2013 – 2020 is presented –

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Nest on eroded rocky terrains with temperate heath and scrub, sclerophyllous scrub, dry siliceous grasslands, screes, waste lands, in orchards, tree and bush plantations (especially extensively grown vineyards and small orchards), rarely close to steppe and dry calcareous grasslands, often close to fields of improved grass areas (perennial grass crops), crops and other (annual) grass crops.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Not analysed

Threats

Not analysed