The Gambel’s quail nesting site is just a patch on the ground, which is concealed by vegetation or rocks. Males and females both sport a bobbing black topknot of feathers. 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. Pair formation begins in March. Like other quail, Gambel’s quail commonly sprint into dense undergrowth rather than taking flight. https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/918/behavior/Gambels_Quail.aspx “All of the Gambel’s quail areas received average to above average winter rainfall for the first time in many years,” said O’Dell. Nesting and Incubation. The male’s prominent black belly patch distinguishes it from the similar California Quail. The typical nest is a shallow, bowl-shaped scrape, lined with grass, leaves and feathers. 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. I first noticed 5 eggs 3 days ago and as of yesterday afternoon, there are now 12 eggs. The Mom is not incubating her eggs, though. It is not one of the most common that we see everyday on our front lawns or perched on the telephone wire. 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. 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). Gambel Quail Nest by: Anonymous Hi. I have a Gambel Quail nest in my backyard (inside the paddle cactus). Females select nest sites, which are almost always located on the ground and usually concealed or protected by foliage. Gambel’s Quail Characteristics. Although a common quail of the desert Southwest, the Gambel’s requires a lot of water. 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. 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. Gambel’s quail mating behavior is a monogamous nature, thus, they have only one brood of eggs during a breeding season. Quail feed in coveys as they travel slowly on the ground. Read some more information about this quail breed below. Food habits: Most of their diet consists of plants, which includes seeds, grasses and leaves that are eaten throughout the year. “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 … Coveys of Gambel's are more apt to run than fly! 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