flight fantastic,british & foreign birds in avicultures

Quail Forever - Different Quail Species

Bobwhite Quail

Bobwhite Quail - The most common species of quail, the bobwhite is often referred to as the number one game bird of the eastern and southern United States. It ranges from Canada to Mexico and is found east of the Rocky Mountains. A combination of fields, brush, weed patches and wood lots are ideal places for bobwhite habitat.

California Quail

California Quail - Also known as valley quail, California quail are the most popular of the five species of western quail. They range in the north and southwestern part of the United States and have been successfully introduced into western Canada. California quail tend to roost in trees and can form large coveys with hundreds of birds. Foothills, valleys with grassland, moist chaparral and scattered trees are the preferred habitat of this species of quail.

Mountain Quail

Mountain Quail - The largest quail species found in the United States, mountain quail possess a unique characteristic of two straight feathers that arch over the back. Their fall range is consistent with that of the California quail. They will also migrate into the mountains in the spring to nest and return to lower levels in the fall. Mountain quail prefer habitat in brushy clearings or forested areas.

Gambels Quail

Gambel's Quail - Also known as desert quail, the Gambel's quail is located in dry regions of the southwestern United States. It thrives in the dry-arid regions that consist of desert shrubs. Gambel's quail, along with the California quail, are the only two species to have successfully interbred in the wild.

Scaled Quail

Scaled Quail - Also known as blue quail, scaled quail are known for their head with a crested tip of white and their blue scaled appearance. The scaled quail is found in arid grassland and desert shrub areas in the southern and western parts of the United States. They often prefer cover that consists of brush piles or piles of wood.

Mearns Quail

Mearn's Quail - With the smallest range in the United States, the Mearn's quail is found in southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. They live in mountain areas populated with oak and juniper trees as well as grasslands. Often referred to as Messena, Montezuma or Harlequin quail, they have a unique coloration of feathers which aids in their means of camouflage. Also known as Montezuma Quail