Scaled Quail
Description:
The scaled quail "Callipepla Squamata" are a small stocky quail 10-12 inches in length that looks gray-brown with a white crest. Bluish gray feathers with black edges create a scaled affect. They are sometimes referred to as a blue racer quail, cottontail quail or scaled partridge. The sexes are similar in appearance. They are bluish gray with extensive markings on the back, breast and abdomen with blackish "scaly" markings. The crest varies in color from buff in females to more whitish in males. Jeveniles have poorly colored patterns and resemble California quail.
Habitat:
Semi deserts such as yucca flats and canyon bottoms: S.E. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Southern Colorado, and parts of Texas.
Diet:
Generally seed eaters, scaled quail usually feed in the early morning and late evening. Throughout their lives, seeds remain a large part of their diet, but they are known to consume green herbage and insects. Young plant shoots are important to quail preparing for breeding season and are an important source of moisture. Insects supply the high nutrition necessary for the growth and development of young quail but they are also an important nutrition and water source for adult quail.
Interesting Facts:
Scaled quail are like other quail, monogamous ground-nesting birds. Though they are birds of arid habitats, they must have a source of water they can visit regularly. They nest in the rainy season and will not breed if the weather is extremely dry.
