There are fourteen recognized subspecies that range from Turkey, the Mediterranean islands, Iran and east through Russia and China and south into Pakistan and Nepal. The Chukar has also been successfully introduced into western North America, the Hawaiian Islands, England and New Zealand. Chukars resemble other members of the genus Alectoris , being mostly gray all over with a black band from the eyes, down to below the neck. They also have several black bars on the flanks. The sexes are similar, with the female having a smaller knob on the legs than the males.
Males also appear to be somewhat larger as well.
Both sexes share the bright red bill and legs. Chukars have been known to hybridize with other members of the genus. Breeding Chukars are very versatile breeders in captivity. They can be kept in pairs, trios and even in large colonies. Best fertility is with the smaller groups.