Quail Game Bird Guide

quailThe quail is a truly interesting little board, and it has become popular for many hunters as a game bird. The numbers of quail have dwindled in recent years because their habitats have changed and the number of predators has increased. Quail are continuing to hold on, though, and when they can be found they are quite amusing to watch. Here is a guide to the quail as a game bird.

Terminology

The mail quail is called the cock, and the female quail is called the hen. Baby quail are known as chicks. Quail have both plumes and crests, where crests are feathers growing in a series along the top and the back of the head, and the plume is a small feather growing right out of the top of the male quail’s head.

Description

Quail are capable of varying both in size and in color, but they all generally run between 6 oz and 8 oz in weight. Both the males and females are generally the same size in relation to one another. The males are typically easily identifiable because they have prettier colors than the female and they also have a plume, a single feather that sticks up from the top of their head. The length of a quail can easily reach as long as 11 inches. The average quail has a mottled mix of colors, allowing them to blend in well with their natural surroundings.

Habitat

Quail tend to prefer areas that are brushy, especially areas that have areas of new growth that is relatively low, and where they can find cover as well as food. Many sources call the area that quail call their home early successional, which basically means that they like weedy areas. Quail typically live in different areas at different times, and they generally prefer to nest in areas that are not as thick, choosing areas where the vegetation has been around for a couple of years. Quail are constantly hunting for areas where they can find plenty of insects to feed on, especially areas that have low canopies without a lot of underbrush.

Traits

Quail are relatively social in nature, and they live in groups that are called covies. Quails know that there is safety in numbers, and quails know that they can achieve this safety for the most part by sticking to large groups, which they travel in and live in. When they roost in the evenings, they usually use a close packed circle, and all of the quail face outward which means if a predator comes from any side, they will have a chance of protecting themselves or saving themselves.

Feeding Habits

Quail tend to feed during the morning hours and the evening hours, and during the hours in between they tend to loaf around. They may feed during the day as well, however, depending on the needs of the group. Quail mostly eat seeds as well as insects.

Photo Credits: John-Morgan

Originally posted 2009-08-03 05:57:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • gunsafetyHunting and Gun Safety Hunting is a fun and enjoyable sport, but it is also considered to be one of the most dangerous. It is absolutely imperative that you take safety precautions to make sure that you and those around you are kept safe during this exciting endeavor. Your life and the lives of......
  • maledeerHunting and Hunters Lexicon Avoidance - This is commonly perceived as a reaction by a dog to a presence or a stimulus where the dog is avoiding a task by a number of behaviors including but not limited to looking away or traveling in the opposite direction and so on. Axle - The axles......
  • quailAll About Quail Hunting Hunting quail and pheasants has been a truly favorable sport for a great many years now. The entire scenario surrounding quail and pheasant hunting has really changed throughout the United States over many years. Because of infrastructural development, the face of hunting for quail and pheasants has definitely changed. But......
  • mountainlionMountain Lion Hunting Mountain lion hunting is one of the most exciting hunting sports imaginable. All hunting is exciting, but when you're hunting the hunter it gives you an extra rush of adrenaline and the knowledge that you're truly into the natural rhythm of the wild. Hunting a big game cat-like a mountain......
  • bisonBison Hunting Alaskan bison hunting is just one of the big game hunting sports in the state. Bison are huge animals that stand about 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh over a ton each. Bison are easily recognizable because of their larger and heavier front quarters and their smaller hindquarters.......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • whiteseabassFishing Report: August 20, 2010 Lakes/Saltwater Anderson: Fishing has been relatively weak in this area for the last week or so. While there are some small bass that are being caught, catches are few and far between. Look to fish near the bridge to get the best bite available. Berkeley: Salmon fishing has been on......
  • eastbayregparkContra Costa County Hike of the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Summary: This is a 3.2 mile long partial loop hike that takes you on paved trails around an area that is particularly popular among dog walkers. Location: This hike is located at the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, which is located in Contra Costa County. Distance: The entire distance for......
  • walkingEven More Essential Tips for Good Health Here is a look at ten essential tips for good health, which involve diet, weight loss, good nutrition, fitness and movement and other aspects of your health. Tie these ten essential tips together and you will have a picture of good health and wellness. Essential Tip #5 - If you......
  • snowSnow Valley Ski Area, Running Springs, CA Snow Valley Ski Area is located in: Running Springs, CA Phone: (909) 867-2751 Website: http://www.snow-valley.com/index_english.html About the Resort: Snow Valley Ski Area is a great place for beginning skiers and there are few resorts that really cater to this market as well as they have. If you are considering vacationing......
  • travelerspreviewTravelers Championship Preview After the draining and lengthy U.S. Open tournament at Bethpage Black, it is surprising that there is still so much going on. What we have coming up now is the Travelers Championship tournament which is going to be held at the TPC River Highlands located in Cromwell in Connecticut. Oddsmakers......
Online Stores If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.



Categories:

Hunting, Quail, Small



Tags:

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


0 comments ↓

There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.

Leave a Comment

ammunition animals antlers arrow arrows best time big game Binoculars Birds bow hunting camouflage compound bow Decoys deer deer hunters deer hunting deer season duck hunter duck hunting ducks going hunting guided hunts horns Hunting hunting deer hunting dog hunting equipment hunting gear hunting knife Hunting Season little bit local area predators prey quail risk Shotgun target trees trophy vegetation weapons weather what this means white tailed deer