So, What’s the Deal With All These Quail?
In the early sunrise of the waning summer in Arizona suburbs, the sight of families of quail, scurrying across the heating asphalt, is not uncommon. They seem to always being in groups of six or more, and only want to use their wings as a last possible option. If you’re not an Arizona native or don’t go outside before noon, the sight of pods of tiny birds with bobbing feathers on their heads can be a bit jarring, albeit whimsical. So, what’s the deal with all these quail?
In the Copper State, the most common type of quail is the Gamble’s Quail. These birds have been targets of predators as long as they’ve existed and have adapted some unique breeding and bonding habits to survive. The mating season starts in winter and usually the eggs are laid and hatched by early spring. Females can lay up to fifteen eggs in a clutch and will usually only lay one clutch in their life. If only one or two eggs make it to adulthood, the female will lay a second clutch or beyond if the result is the same. Unfortunately, between coyotes, hawks, and even house cats, usually only one or two will make it to adulthood.
In addition to laying many eggs, another evolutionary adaptation the Gamble’s Quail have made to stave off high mortality rates, is by being good parents. No, really. Once the last egg is hatched, the family is off, usually with mom in front and dad in the rear. They spend the entire time until the chicks are adults as a family unit. Mom and dad teach them to hunt together, how to identify and avoid predators, how to hide from the sun and what all their coos and clucks mean.
Next time you see eight bobbing feathers scurrying through your yard, remember, that’s a family just trying to survive in a hostile world, just like the rest of us.
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