Overview
They have relatively short, rounded wings and long, featherless legs. These birds are easily recognized by their top knots, which are shorter in the female. They have a brown face, gray breast, brown back and primaries, and heavily white barred underside.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Odontophoridae
- Genus
- Oreortyx
- Species
- pictus confinis
Habitat
It inhabits mountainous environments. It can be found up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level. It is a non-migratory species; however some populations may be altitudinal migrants in some mountain ranges.
Diet
Seeds, insects, plant material, berries.
Behavior
Mountain quail primarily move about by walking, and can move surprisingly quickly through brush and undergrowth. In the late summer, fall and winter, the adults and immature young congregate into family groups of up to 20 birds. Any flight is usually short and explosive, with many rapid wingbeats followed by a slow glide to the ground.
Hunting
Upland game bird most effectivily hunted with bird dogs.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.