Gambel's Quail

In the desert scrub lands of the southwest the call of the Gambel's Quail is a part of the evening and morning sounds.  The most striking part of this foot high bird is the "top knot" on its head that ends in a tear shape.  It has a black face bordered in white and the crown is a rich mahogany.  Its overall body is a grayish-green with mahogany sides.  Its unmarked belly and lower breast are buff with a black spot on the lower belly.

In the correct habitat they can be attracted to feeders.  This bird feeds mainly on seeds and berries but will take insects when available.  Breeding and nesting has the male calling to attract the female.  Usually a dozen eggs or more eggs are laid in a depression lined with grasses and other soft vegetation.  The female attends to incubation which takes about three weeks.  When the young are dry they are able to follow their parents who teach them how to feed and watch for predators.  After a couple of weeks the young grow some primary flight feathers and are able to fly short distances to escape predators.  The family will stay together in a covey, and some family groups may combine for the winter.  As spring arrives the coveys break up into breeding pairs and territories.

This information taken from Favorite Birds of the Southwest by Dick Schnikel and David Mohrhardt.

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Last modified: July 06, 2005