Sul Ross State University

Nesting Ecology, Survival Rates and Population Densities of Gambel's Quail in Trans-Pecos, Texas

by Alfonso (Poncho) Ortega-Sánchez and Louis A. Harveson

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) are one of the four quail species that occur in the Trans-Pecos region in Texas. Even though it is a popular bird for hunting and sighting, very few studies have been done on this species in Texas.

The Objectives of this study are to (1) describe the nesting ecology of Gambel's quail, (2) estimate survival rates and identify cause-specific mortality of Gambel's quail; and (3) estimate population density of Gambel's quail in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas.

We will monitor two study sites, the first being located in an "upland" area 9.6 kilometers west of Sierra Blanca, Texas, and north of Interstate 10. The second study site is located in a "riparian" area approximately 36.8 kilometers south of the first along the Rio Grande off of FM 192.

Approximately 25-35 Gambel's quail/study site will be captured and fitted with a radio collar. Radio-collared hens will be monitored twice a week during breeding season and thrice a week during the nesting season. Nesting sites will be located by homing technique.

Being monitored by afar, after incubation is complete, hen abandons nest, or nest is depredated; nesting sites will be visually inspected to determine clutch size and number of eggs hatched. Nesting attributes will be documented by determining visual screening cover, species composition and canopy cover. Annual survival rates will be estimated as will quail density.

Cooperative funding provided by Sul Ross State University, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and United States Department of Agriculture.