Quail are small ground-dwelling birds that are found throughout North America. There are many different species of quail, but they all share some common traits that influence whether they can live in mountainous areas. In this article, we’ll look at quail biology, habitat preferences, and survival challenges to determine if mountain living is feasible for these birds.
Quail Biology and Habitat Needs
Quail are members of the pheasant family Phasianidae. They are small, plump birds with short wings and tails. Different quail species vary in size from 6 to 13 inches long and 4 to 8 ounces in weight. All quail have chunky bodies covered in soft, cryptic plumage. Their feather patterns help camouflage them on the ground where they spend all their time foraging for food.
Quail live in coveys of 5-30 birds outside of breeding season. They forage together on open ground with short vegetation that allows them to see approaching predators. At night they sleep huddled close together on the ground. During breeding season, males establish communal territories and mate with multiple females. The females build nests on the ground in hidden spots in brush or grass and lay large clutches of eggs. The chicks are precocial, meaning they leave the nest shortly after hatching to follow their mother as she shows them how to find food.
Different quail species thrive in a variety of open habitats including grasslands, agricultural fields, open woodlands, desert scrub, and brushy foothills. Most species avoid dense forest and woodlands. They prefer habitats with a mix of native grasses, forbs, legumes, and brush that provide ample food and cover. Access to water sources is also important for drinking and dust bathing.
Challenges of Mountain Living
The rugged terrain and extreme climates of mountain ranges present a number of challenges for quail survival and reproduction:
- Harsh winters – Deep snow, bitter winds, ice storms and low temperatures make winter survival difficult. Quail are susceptible to hypothermia and their food sources are buried under snow.
- Steep slopes – Quail have small wings and cannot fly far or high. Steep mountainsides are difficult to navigate and pose dangers.
- Dense forests – Quail avoid thick woodlands with limited underbrush where they cannot see threats. Many mountains have dense mature forests unsuitable for quail.
- Limited food – Quail require high protein sources and seeds from grasses, forbs and agricultural crops which may be scarce at high elevations.
- Water access – Reliable water sources may be limited in high mountain terrain for drinking and keeping feathers in good condition.
- Nest and chick survival – Nests on the ground are vulnerable to predators and weather. Fast moving chicks can get lost in rocky areas.
These factors make it difficult for quail to survive year-round or raise young in harsh mountain environments. However, some species are able to inhabit gentle foothills and lower mountain elevations if the right habitat elements are present.
Mountain-Dwelling Quail Species
Two quail species commonly inhabit mountains and high elevation terrain:
Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii) have an expansive range extending from Baja California through the desert Southwest and Rocky Mountain foothills up to southern Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. They live at elevations ranging from sea level to 6000 ft.
In mountain regions, Gambel’s quail frequent desert scrub habitats, brushy foothills and open pine-oak woodlands. They forage on seeds of grasses, forbs and agricultural crops. Gambel’s quail roost in bushes and low trees and seek shelter in dense undergrowth when threatened. The birds head to lower valleys and deserts during severe winters in the mountains.
Mountain Quail
The aptly named mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) inhabits steep hillsides and mountains of the Pacific Coast region from southern British Columbia through the Cascades and Sierra Nevada ranges to northern Baja California. These chunky birds dwell between 2000-9000 ft. elevation.
Mountain quail live in open fir and pine forests interspersed with thickets of brush and shrubs. They eat leaves, seeds, fruits, acorns and green vegetation. To survive cold winters, these quail burrow tunnels in the snow or descend to lower elevations. Nesting and chick rearing is challenging in their precipitous mountain homeland.
Ideal Mountain Habitat for Quail
The best mountain habitat for quail consists of:
- Foothills and lower slopes
- Open woodlands of pine, fir, spruce, oak
- Understory of native grasses, forbs, shrubs
- Mixture of trees, brush and open areas
- Plentiful insects and seeds
- Mild winters with limited snow
- Brushy ravines for escape cover
- Access to water
- Adjoining valleys and plains for winter range
These landscapes provide the right blend of cover, food and water quail require while also offering protection from severe mountain weather and easier winter migration access.
Conclusions
Most quail species are not well-adapted for living year-round in steep, rugged mountain terrain. Harsh winters, dense forests, limited food and scarce water combine to make survival a challenge. However, some quail are able to inhabit gentle foothills, open woodlands and lower mountain slopes if the habitat provides adequate food, cover and escape terrain. The Gambel’s quail and mountain quail are examples of species that can thrive in high elevation environments when conditions meet their needs.
