McDunni 1954 April 4-11 Notes Brown Chukar (cont.) L3. General impressions (cont.) The Brown Chukars are most commonly found in pairs, but larger numbers, up to eight or one instance, are not unusual. Only once has a solitary bird been observed. The preferred habitat at this time of year would seem to include some rocks (talus) nearby for shelter, low juniper, Rhododendrons and grass (all dry now), but the woody plants not too thick, and some water, either running or snow within about 500 yds. Cup shaped depressions among the dry grass or under the Rhododendron are made by the birds as they feed. Are they root feeders? Crop analysis of the birds shot has never given positive results. At this season there is no grain on which these birds may feed here. 100 ft above Base Camps there are several hollowed out places in the dust below some large rocks, obviously made by the Chukar judging from the numerous droppings nearby. One of these scooped out bowls is apparently quite fresh; the dust is smoothed down and no vegetation grows within its 24" diameter. These may be old resting sites, or roosting, or simply dusting grounds; the latter seems more