Birds
File:Cyrtonyx montezumaeEBP20A.jpg

Montezuma Quail

Montezuma Quail

100
2 months ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
Also known as the Harlequin Quail or Mearns's Quail, this secretive bird is renowned for the male's striking harlequin-like facial pattern. It is a master of camouflage, preferring to hide motionless rather than fly when threatened.
Where to spot
Found in isolated mountain ranges across the southwestern United States and much of Mexico, inhabiting open pine-oak woodlands, grasslands with scattered trees, and rocky slopes.
How to spot
Patience is essential; they are extremely cryptic. Look for signs of their conical foraging holes where they dig for tubers. Listen for their distinctive, descending 'hoot' call, often described as an owl-like whistle, which helps locate them.
When to spot
Year-round residents. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, often found foraging among grasses and under trees.
File:Cyrtonyx montezumaeEBP20A.jpg
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 01.jpg
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 03.jpg
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 04.jpg
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae sallei.JPG
File:Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae).jpg
File:Cyrtonyx montezumaeEBP20A.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 03.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae 04.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Cyrtonyx montezumae sallei.JPG
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Montezuma Quail are famous for their unique habit of remaining perfectly still when approached, relying entirely on their superb camouflage to avoid detection, often letting observers walk very close without flushing.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
29 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 months ago

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