The male’s prominent black belly patch distinguishes it from the similar California Quail. Pair formation begins in March. Gambel’s quail mating behavior is a monogamous nature, thus, they have only one brood of eggs during a breeding season. 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. Like other quail, Gambel’s quail commonly sprint into dense undergrowth rather than taking flight. 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. Quail feed in coveys as they travel slowly on the ground. Gambel’s Quail Characteristics. “All of the Gambel’s quail areas received average to above average winter rainfall for the first time in many years,” said O’Dell. Similar to other Texas quail, Gambel’s prefer to run and hide when flushed, rather than fly. 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. Although a common quail of the desert Southwest, the Gambel’s requires a lot of water. The typical nest is a shallow, bowl-shaped scrape, lined with grass, leaves and feathers. Like most other quails, the Gambel’s quails are plump, volleyball-sized birds. Nesting and Incubation. The quail is a very interesting bird. https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/918/behavior/Gambels_Quail.aspx 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. Females select nest sites, which are almost always located on the ground and usually concealed or protected by foliage. 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. Coveys of Gambel's are more apt to run than fly! As a matter of fact, I … “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 Mom is not incubating her eggs, though. Gambel’s Quail are gregarious birds of the desert Southwest, where coveys gather along brushy washes and cactus-studded arroyos to feed. Males and females both sport a bobbing black topknot of feathers. Gambel Quail Nest by: Anonymous Hi. 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. 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). 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