General

Montezuma Quail: Odd looking, plump little quail with short tail, complexly buff-barred and streaked dark upperparts, and heavily white spotted dark underparts divided by a wide rufous-brown stripe from breast to tail. Face is boldly patterned black and white; head has a rounded light brown crest. Female is brown mottled overall with tiny white streaks. Head markings are less distinct. Juvenile resembles female but is paler with dark bars with dark bars.

Range and Habitat

Montezuma Quail: Uncommon and local on hillsides of oak and pine woodlands and dense shrubs in the southwest.

Breeding and Nesting

Montezuma Quail: Builds nest on ground in a variety of grasslands and woodlands in semiarid areas, sometimes constructs a woven canopy of dried plant parts over the nest. Both parents incubate the six to fourteen white or cream eggs for 24 to 26 days. Chicks leave nest immediately after hatching and begin foraging with adults, can make first short flights at 5 weeks.

Foraging and Feeding

Montezuma Quail: Feeds on hillsides with dense cover, looking for seeds, underground tubers, and acorns.

Readily Eats

Cracked Corn

Vocalization

Montezuma Quail: Loud quavering whistle.