Preserving a Unique Quail Species

Throughout recent history in the United States, there has been a significant decline in all species of game birds due to a variety factors, but most of them being directly related to humans. Preserving these beautiful birds is not only a good idea, but it is OUR responsibility to ensure that these birds continue to thrive for many more thousands of years as they have before we arrived here. Of all the native species in America, the Mearns Quail and Mountain Quail are my two favorites. In this write-up, I will be focusing on both the elusive, and secretive Mountain Quail of the West Coast.

As are all native quail, Mountain Quail are a New World Quail of the order Galliformes, which basically means ground-dwelling chicken-like birds - the scientific name for these birds is Oreortyx pictus. They are the largest species of quail in the US, measuring an average length of 10.2-12.2 inches, and an average weight of 6.7-9.2 oz. Wing spans typically measure in the 14-16 inch range.

Ranges of the quail include many mountainous areas west of the Rocky Mountains, extending from Washington state down to the Baja peninsula in Mexico. Estimates, by Partners in Flight, state that populations are around 300,000, with approximately 96% of the population being in the US and the remaining 4% in Mexico. In Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Northern Nevada, these are the only native species of quail found there. There have been successful introductions of the species into British Columbia, Canada, however they are not native to the island. The species have been in decline for approximately 50 years, but according to the North American Breeding Birds survey, the declines in populations leveled out around 2004. Due to the elusive and secretive nature of these quails, obtaining accurate census data has proved to be a tough feat.

While sometimes confused with the ever-common California Valley Quail, Mountain Quails are distinguishably different once you know what you are looking for. One of the explanations for this confusion can be due to the fact that Mountain Quail are seen occasionally joining up with coveys of California Valley Quail in the lower altitudes when harsh winters and scarce resources force them to descend in elevation.

Mountain Quail are identified as being large ground dwelling birds, with a long and elegant black plume on their heads (slightly smaller on females), with a brown face and back, a bluish-gray neck and breast, with notable white bars on their flanks. The brown areas on their necks are bordered with a white outline. Both adolescent and mature birds have the same markings; however, adults have much more distinct markings than the young ones do. Sexing these birds is more difficult than some others, as both males and females look almost identical, with the females being slightly smaller in size.

Mountain Quail prefer steep slopes on mountains, and have been found at elevations as high as 10,000 feet and prefer these higher altitudes much more than the lower ones – hence, the name ‘Mountain’ Quail. While they are considered a non-migratory bird, it is not uncommon to see them move down in elevation for the harshest parts of winter. They prefer heavy cover amongst shrubby vegetation and dense forests, and rarely are seen wondering too far out into open areas. The steeper the slope and the denser the cover, your chances of spotting this wonderful species increase significantly. The biggest threat to the quail’s habitat are destruction of shrub plants due to livestock grazing along with development by humans, with these two reasons being the most commonly blamed for historical decline in populations.

When startled or threatened, these birds would much rather run to cover than fly, and only fly when they feel both a significant and immediate threat. In the event of taking to flight, initial takeoff is explosive, followed by a casual glide back to the ground. Some of their favorite foods include foraging for grain and seeds, flowers, berries, along with some insects. Animal protein is only a small portion of their diet – typically only about 5%, but rarely exceeds 20%.

Far bottom egg is a Mountain Quail egg (From top to bottom, left to right – Ringneck Pheasant, Mearns Quail, Chukar Partridge, Coturnix Quail, Mountain Quail)

Mountain Quail are primarily monogamous birds who live in coveys of 3-20 birds. Their breeding season is typically from April through June, in which the average breeding pair will yield 1 brood per year, with a clutch of approximately 9-11 pink-colored eggs. Incubation is slightly longer than some other quail, and takes around 23-25 days to hatch. Nests are usually found in extremely dense cover at the base of a tree or shrub, with the nest made slightly depressed in the ground. Once hatched, the chicks emerge from the nest and rely on their parents to teach them how to eat much more than other species of game bird do. Juveniles stay with their parents throughout the first year until the following breeding season, and then go off to join a covey of their own.

Adolescent Birds (approx. 5-6 weeks of age)

Rearing these birds in captivity has proven successful for many years; however, it is not a species that a beginner should try to undertake, as they provide many more challenges than do your more common quail. If you are able to be one of the many successful breeders one day, it is certainly something that I would recommend! They are my favorite of all the species I raise, along with being the most docile and tame of all that I have (even more-so than Coturnix quail). Newly hatched chicks are not as intuitive as other species, and must be taught how to eat (unlike Coturnix and Bobwhite quail who learn to eat on their own). These quail are also much more prone to deformities caused by inadequate incubating conditions than others, along with being more prone to illnesses while still young. Once adolescents, they are very hardy birds with high disease resistance and survive well in most climates of the US. These birds are raised best in colonies, with my preference being around 10 birds. Breeding 1 rooster to multiple hens is also a very common practice in captivity. Typically, the first year of egg laying is very minimal, with peak egg production occurring around 2-3 years of age, and then declining following that.

Among all the natural predators that these birds face in the wild, along with the ever-encroaching human population, Mountain Quail populations are definitely under threat. While they are not classified as an endangered or threatened species now, this is not to say that it won’t happen in the future. Everyone needs to do their part in preserving their habitats, so that many generations to come can enjoy them just as we have. Rearing them in captivity does help the cause by ensuring the survival of the species to an extent, but this is no excuse to slack on protecting the wild ones, as their genetic diversity is one that could never be achieved in captive-bred scenarios.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this wonderful bird. Have you ever had any interesting encounters in the wild with Mountain Quail? Do we have any other fellow Mountain Quail enthusiasts or breeders here on Steemit? Feel free to ask any questions you have down below!

• Part TWO of the mini-series is about the Bobwhite Quail, and can be found at
  https://steemit.com/animals/@bobwhite/meet-the-bobwhite-quail-mini-series-part-two