Chukar partridge in our yard

[KathyH]

We have had a Chukar partridge in our yard for the last two days. We are worried about him in this cold. He is eating seeds but sits under a cedar tree all day and we can get quite close to him. He does not try to fly away from us, just walks a few feet away. We put some hay under the tree hoping he will stand on it rather than on the snow. Any ideas anyone? According to our bird book they are an introduced species but is this weather too harsh for them? Thanks. We are an hour west of Toronto.

[Axeman]

I had never heard of a chukar partridge before and looked it up...very striking....whereabouts are you? I'm an hour and a half north of Guelph...wondering if they would make their way here

[BIGFRANK]

Its very likely an escaped bird. Its the national bird of Pakistan,so that is why some show up. April 29th Ann Brokelman photographed one in a yard in Scarborough.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jqc3hK6pKng/S ... 10+740.jpg
 Beautiful bird.

[KathyH]

That would make sense. I saw that people raise and sell them in Ontario. We are located near Campbellville. Does anyone know if they can survive outside in winter?

[Axeman]

apparently they are reared and released for hunting soooo....and I think some have been released in Ontario for hunting....sigh...nothing makes more sense than releasing something / introducing something so we can hunt it down and kill it.

[Pat Hodgson]

They are quite hardy in the cold.  They are established in the western US and overwinter in colder places than southern Ontario.

[KathyH]

Thanks everyone! He seems to be doing quite well and we are glad to have him around!