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Montezuma Quail

Cyrtonyx montezumae ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: ODONTOPHORIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The strikingly marked Montezuma Quail is a bird of Mexican Mountains, reaching the United States only in southern Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas.

Appearance

Gamebirds
Gamebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small quail. Small round head with slight rounded crest. Round body with very short tail. Male with bold black-and-white face pattern, black chin, dark chest with many small white spots, and streaks and bars across back. Female brown with indistinct head pattern like male's.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult female.

Range Map Help

Montezuma Quail Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Northern Bobwhite has bushy, pointed crest, distinct face pattern with white or buff eyebrow and throat.

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