Montezuma Quail

The Montezuma quail, known scientifically as Cyrtonyx montezumae, is a compact and elusive bird native to Mexico and parts of the United States. It is also referred to as Mearns's quail, the harlequin quail, and the fool quail. This species is characterized by its short stature, plump build, and notably short tail, making it one of the smallest quails in North America.

Identification Tips

Adult males of the Montezuma quail are distinguished by their remarkable black-and-white facial patterns and a single tan plume that lies flat over their crest. They exhibit blue-gray sides with prominent spots and a dark brown chest and belly. Females and juveniles are more subdued in coloration, with females hinting at the male's facial pattern and juveniles showing grayish underparts with white streaks and black dots. Both sexes possess long, sickle-shaped claws used for digging.

Habitat

The Montezuma quail favors open woodlands, particularly those dominated by oak, as well as pine-oak and juniper forests with grasses at least 30 cm tall. They are often found on the slopes of hills and canyons.

Distribution

This species ranges from Oaxaca in Mexico through the interior to the mountainous regions of central and southeastern Arizona, central and southwestern New Mexico, and West Texas. It avoids deserts and the Río Balsas valley.

Behaviour

Montezuma quail are sedentary birds, often foraging within a small radius of their previous day's location. They form small coveys, typically consisting of family groups, and roost on southeast-facing slopes at night. When threatened by humans, they tend to crouch motionless rather than flee, sometimes allowing very close approaches.

Song & Calls

The Montezuma quail's vocalizations include an assembly or territorial call that descends in pitch, described as a "quavering whinny." The male's pairing song is an "eerie, melancholy, vibrant whistle" that descends in tone, often given from the ground.

Breeding

Breeding begins with males singing in early spring, but nesting is delayed until the summer monsoon season. Their nests are grass domes with a single entrance, and clutches typically contain around 11 whitish eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and brooding.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Montezuma quail consists of insects and plants, with a particular reliance on Oxalis bulbs and sedge tubers. They are known to dig holes to access these underground food sources.

Conservation status

The Montezuma quail is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While regulated hunting in the United States does not significantly impact populations, habitat degradation due to cattle grazing poses a threat, especially in years of low rainfall.