Game Birds of the World

Sometimes appropriately called harlequin quail, the Montezuma quail is mainly found in Mexico, but extends north into Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. During the non-breeding season, these attractive birds form small coveys that probably represent family units. These typically are of 7–8 birds, and rarely are more than 25. They typically feed in close groups, digging out the subsurface bulbs on which they depend heavily, at night they often form semicircular roosts around a rock or clump of grass. The nesting season in the US is relatively late, apparently coinciding with the summer rainy period.

The participation of the male in nest building and incubation is uncertain, but it is probable that he at least assists in nest-building. The nest is a domed structure of grass stems that appear to be woven together, and is roofed over to form a chamber some 4–5 inches high. It also has a side entrance that is usually well hidden by a mat of grass, which hangs down over the opening like a hinged door, falling back into place whenever the female enters or leaves. The average clutch is about 10–12 eggs. Males have been reported sitting on eggs, and have also been observed sitting beside incubating females. The incubation period is fairly long, lasting 25–26 days. During this time the male apparently assumes the major responsibility for defending the nest. When the young hatch they are fed insects, seeds, and bulbs by both parents, but they begin to forage extensively for themselves by the time they are two weeks old. There is evidently little mixing or merging of broods, and most fall coveys appear to be made up of family units.