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Mountain Quail

Oreortyx pictus ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: ODONTOPHORIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A large quail with an exclamation mark atop its head, the Moutain Quail is found throughout the mountains of the far western United States.

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At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
10.2–12.2 in
26–31 cm
Weight
6.7–9.2 oz
189–262 g
Other Names
  • Colin des montagnes (French)
  • Cordorniz de montaña (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • The Mountain Quail is the largest quail in the United States.

Habitat


Forest

Shrubby vegetation in mountains.

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Food


Seeds

Seeds, fruits, flowers, and a few insects.

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Nesting

Nesting Facts
Condition at Hatching
Downy and able to follow mother.
Nest Placement

Ground
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Behavior


Ground Forager
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern
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Credits

  • Gutiérrez, R. J., and D. J. Delehanty. 1999. Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus). In The Birds of North America, No. 457 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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Range Map Help

Mountain Quail Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings
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