Mountain quail

The mountain quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird that belongs to the New World quail family. It is distinct enough to warrant its own genus, Oreortyx, although it is sometimes grouped with Callipepla. These birds have a long evolutionary history, with their ancestors diverging from other New World quails over six million years ago.

Mountain quails measure approximately 26–28 cm (10–11 inches) in length and have a wingspan of 35–40 cm (14–16 inches). They are easily identifiable by their prominent top knots, featherless legs, and a striking plumage pattern featuring a mix of brown, gray, and white barred feathers. There are five subspecies of mountain quail, each inhabiting different regions ranging from Washington to California and extending into Mexico.

These birds prefer mountainous chaparral habitats and can be found in the western United States down to Mexico, with some populations reaching as far north as Canada and Washington state. While they do not migrate, they may move vertically within mountainous areas based on seasonal changes. Mountain quails are relatively secretive and typically travel through brush in family groups. Their diet primarily consists of plant matter and seeds, although chicks initially consume more insects.

In terms of reproduction, mountain quails are monogamous. The female lays around 9–10 eggs in a concealed nest near a water source. She incubates the eggs for 21–25 days. Once the chicks hatch, they leave the nest quickly due to their precocial nature, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from birth.

The mountain quail is not considered threatened according to the IUCN, but it does require adequate suitable habitat, especially in cooler and more arid climates, to thrive.

Interestingly, fossil remains of mountain quails have been discovered in regions where they no longer reside today. These fossils date back to the end of the last ice age, indicating that these birds have a long-standing presence in North America.