Montezuma Quail

(Cyrtonyx montezuma)

• Avicultural Data
• Images
• Bibliography
• Links

Other Names: Harlequin Quail, Mearn's Quail, Massena Quail, Salle Quail, Fool's Quail

Range: West-central Texas, Central New Mexico and Arizona in the US, south to Oaxaca, Mexico.

Subspecies: Madge and McGowan (2002) divided the species into 2 geographical groups; the Northern group C. m. mearnsi, C. m. montezumae and C. m. merriami are generally larger and have darker flanks and underparts spotted with white. The Southern group consists of C. m. rowleyi & C. m. sallei, are smaller with bluish-gray flanks and buff spots. There is debate on whether the groups should be considered separate species.

Habitat: Open woodlands, arid bushy grasslands.

Brief Description: Males have a black and white face pattern, much like a crescent in front of the eye and on throat, they have a bushy, buff crest; the flanks and underparts are spotted with white or buff (see subspecies). Females lack bold markings in face as well as the spotted plumage of the male.

Status in Wild: In the US, they are rather uncommon with localized populations. In Mexico, they are widespread, but believed to be declining due to habitat loss.

Similar Species: A close relative of the Montezuma Quail is the Ocellated Quail, Cyrtonyx ocellatus. They are found in southern Mexico to Honduras, range does not overlap Montezuma Quail. I do not believe that there are any in American or European aviaries. Ocellated Quail males are very similar to Montezuma males, but have little white spotting and the flanks are chestnut with black barring. Hens are paler and have buff shaft-streaks instead of the white of Montezuma hens.

Avicultural Data

Status in Aviculture: Uncommon, inbreeding has been a long problem with captive populations. C. m. mearnsi is the subspecies often seen in our aviaries.

Breeding Season: May through August & September.

Clutch Size: 6 to 16 eggs

Incubation Period: 24-25 days

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
1, Jack Lutes.

• Hayes, LB. 1995. Upland Game Birds: Their Breeding and Care. Leland Hayes, Valley Center, CA.
• Johnsgard, P.A. 1988. The Quails, Partridges, and Francolins of the World. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
• Madge, S., McGowan, P. 2002. Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

Links related to this species. Please note, links will open in a new window.

• Mearn's Quail in New Mexico - Information from New Mexico State University.
• Montezuma Quail - Mangoverde World Bird Guide Species Page; Images & Sounds.
• Montezuma Quail - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter.
• Wikipedia - Montezuma Quail - Wikipedia's species page.