Profile of Quail, From a Hunter's Viewpoint

Introduction:

The quail is an interesting little bird. Their numbers seem to have declined in recent decades, probably largely due to changing habitats and the increase of predators. More and more it seems that predators such as hawks, bobcats, foxes, and the like have increased and in many cases are protected rather than having a bounty on their heads, as they did for many years - and this translates to fewer birds.

Nonetheless, quail continue to hold on, and are quite fun to watch when they can be found. When I was growing up it was not unusual to see a covey of quail feeding in the back yard, and we always enjoyed them.

Terminology:

Male: Cock
Female: Hen
Young: Chick
Plume: A small feather that grows from a cock quail's head.
Crest: A series of feathers growing on top and back of the head.

Physical Description:

While quail vary in size & coloration, they run in the neighborhood of 6 to 8 ounces, and the males & females are both about the same size. The males can usually be easily identified when in a group, because like other birds, the males are more prettily colored. Their length may run as long as 11 inches. Most quail have a mottled color that allows them to blend in with their surroundings very well.

Habitat:

Quail prefer brushy areas interspersed with open areas. They especially like areas of low new growth, where they can find both cover and food. Many sources call their preferred habitat "early successional," which seems to translate as "weedy." Quail use different areas at different times, preferring to nest in less thick areas that have vegetation that's been around for a year or two. They need to have lots of insects for feed, which can often be found in areas with a low canopy and not too much underbrush.

Outstanding Traits:

Quail are a social animal, and live and travel in groups called covies. There is safety in numbers, and quail need safety from predators. When they roost at night, they will often do so on the ground in a close-packed circle, with all the quail around the circle facing outward. This gives them a chance against predators coming from any direction.

One impressive thing I have witnessed is a hen's willingness to lead predators away from her young. Dad showed me this, years ago. The hen will flop around and drag her wings as if injured and move away from her brood, which may lead predators away from the young.

Feeding Habits:

Quail generally feed the most during morning and evening hours and loaf in between, though they will sometimes be found feeding throughout the day. They mostly eat seeds and insects.

Lifespan:

Quail may live as long as five years, which is a fairly long time if you're a small bird living in a hostile world.

Reproduction:

Quail may breed and nest anytime from April to October. A female may leave a nest with eggs in care of the male and seek out a new nesting site and a new male with which to fill that nest.

A typical clutch of eggs will number a dozen or more, and they generally take a little more than three weeks to hatch. The chicks are soon able to follow their parents around, which makes a very pretty picture when you see a long line of quail strolling along. Average brood size is probably ten chicks.

Communication:

Quail use calls to stay in touch with one another when they're spread out feeding, and also when they're seeking mates. They have a number of vocalizations that can be used to call to each other, warn against danger, or signify distress.

Synopsis:

The quail has a long and rich hunting heritage, especially in the southern USA. Dogs are generally used to find and point the quail, and to fetch birds that have been shot. Hunting is done with shotguns, and the hunter moves forward past a pointing dog and shoots at the birds when they flush (fly). This is a big challenge, and many hunters find it to be a whole lot of fun.

It's important not to over-shoot a covey, meaning hunters must leave more than half of the birds alive in a given covey so the quail can continue to breed and offer future hunting opportunities.

With careful attention to habitat preservation and establishment of new habitat, along with good predator control, quail populations can be maintained and increased to provide future generations with the fun of watching, learning about, and hunting these fantastic little birds, which can pack as much thrill as a safari into a tiny, fast-flying, feather-clad package.