Coveys of Gambel's are more apt to run than fly! Total populations appear to have been fairly stable between 1966 and 2014 (possibly with a small decline, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey). The Gambel’s quail nesting site is just a patch on the ground, which is concealed by vegetation or rocks. I first noticed 5 eggs 3 days ago and as of yesterday afternoon, there are now 12 eggs. I have a Gambel Quail nest in my backyard (inside the paddle cactus). Pair formation begins in March. The most well known of the "desert quail", Gambel's are quickly identified by the topknot found atop the head of both males and females. https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/918/behavior/Gambels_Quail.aspx As a matter of fact, I … Gambel’s quail mating behavior is a monogamous nature, thus, they have only one brood of eggs during a breeding season. Females select nest sites, which are almost always located on the ground and usually concealed or protected by foliage. Like other quail, Gambel’s quail commonly sprint into dense undergrowth rather than taking flight. Similar to other Texas quail, Gambel’s prefer to run and hide when flushed, rather than fly. Thus, its tendencies, habits and life cycle are not as familiar to us as those birds who nest and raise their young in our backyards. The quail is a very interesting bird. On extremely rarely occasions, females leave the chicks and male to move away to a new mate. Like most other quails, the Gambel’s quails are plump, volleyball-sized birds. Gambel Quail Nest by: Anonymous Hi. Read some more information about this quail breed below. “The annual spring breeding male Gambel’s call count index was 76 percent higher than the recent 10-year average.” In addition, scaled quail may … The male’s prominent black belly patch distinguishes it from the similar California Quail. Located in dry regions of the southwestern United States, Gambel's quail thrive in the dry-arid regions that contain an abundance of desert shrubs. Because they live in the harsher desert regions, Gambel’s breeding patterns are impacted by the amount of green vegetation available to eat. The Mom is not incubating her eggs, though. Quail feed in coveys as they travel slowly on the ground. Gambel’s Quail Characteristics. Nesting and Incubation. Food habits: Most of their diet consists of plants, which includes seeds, grasses and leaves that are eaten throughout the year. Although a common quail of the desert Southwest, the Gambel’s requires a lot of water. It is not one of the most common that we see everyday on our front lawns or perched on the telephone wire. Insects are a source of protein and are eaten during the nesting season (spring through early summer) and by chicks that need the protein for their development. 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