Sul Ross State University

Characteristics of Montezuma Quail Populations and Habitats
at Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Texas

by Froylan Hernandez, Clay E. Brewer (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), and Louis A. Harveson

Despite its status as a gamebird, little information exists on the ecology of Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in Texas. We initiated a study to elucidate the life history characteristics of Montezuma quail in the Trans-Pecos ecoregion of Texas.

Because little information exists on capture techniques for Montezuma quail, we evaluated funnel traps, trained dogs with hand nets, audio-call back tapes, portable mist nets and night-netting for the secretive quail. Based on capture-to-effort ratios, the portable mist nets and trained dogs with hand nets appear to be the most effective techniques to capture Montezuma quail.

Radioed Montezuma quail experienced a high rate of mortality in my study; eight of the nine radioed quail died from avian predation within a week of release. The high predation rates may have been attributed to habitat-mediated factors (e.g., low screening cover).

Montezuma quail are habitat and foraging specialists that need adequate screening cover and subterranean foods for survival. Montezuma quail foraging sites were typified as having greater slopes, more diggings (an index of quail abundance), and a higher abundance of foods (Allium spp.).

Resource managers should evaluate habitat management strategies aimed at enhancing screening cover and manipulating food sources for Montezuma quail.

Cooperative funding for this project was provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sul Ross State University, Texas Chapters of Quail Unlimited, United States Department of Agriculture, and San Antonio Livestock Exposition.