- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Oreortyx pictus
- CLASSIFICATION
- Bird
- LIFE SPAN
- 1-3 Years
- SIZE
- 10.2-11.4” | 0.44-0.56lbs
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Priority Species
- State Protected
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Game
- GAME TYPE
- Upland Game
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
- Alpine forests of the Sierras
- Marsh
- Pinyon juniper forests
Threats
- Habitat Loss
Natural History
Mountain Quail occupy different habitats throughout the year, moving between high and low elevations to find the best sources of food. Mountain quail forage by walking on the ground and using their feet to dig up small insects, plant bulbs, and seeds. They will also pick berries and other fruits off of vegetation in the late spring and summer. Mountain Quail nest on the ground and use pine needles and grasses for formation of a small cup. Fledgling chicks have been observed following around both parents for some time after leaving the nest. These quail have several methods of courtship behavior, ranging from parading and bowing, to using grasses or pine needles as a prop and throwing it over their back.
Fun Facts
Mountain Quails are incredibly elusive and not easy to find.
OTHER Species
