It was surprising to see this attractive quail-like bird scurrying around the dry rocky slopes and sparse plants on the summit of Haleakala volcano.
It was introduced in Hawai’i between 1942 and 1954 as a game bird. Its natural range is eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
They are now only found on higher elevations of up to 11,000 ft. and have adapted amazingly well to the harsh environment of the summit area of the Haleakala volcano.
Their call sounds like their name…chuKAR!

Part of the gallery: Birds of Maui