Mountain Quail is an elegant ground living bird which is scientifically known as Oreortyx pictu. Mountain Quail is found at an elevation of 3000m above sea level in the Rocky Mountains of Mexico and the United States of America. Although, Mountain Quail is a non migratory bird however, now it has also been introduced in Canada. The average length of Mountain Quail is 26-28 cm and they are distinguished for their top knot. The female Mountain Quail has also the same top knot but shorter one than the male. The Mountain Quail feeds itself with the plant seeds and grains.

Mountain Quail: An image by Ashok Khosla on flickr

The female Mountain Quail lays 9-10 eggs in her nest which she normally builds near the water body and it is close to the vegetation. In the incubation of the eggs the female Mountain Quail executes itself the whole process of hatching. Mountain Quail primarily move about by walking, and can move surprisingly quickly through brush and undergrowth. In the late summer, fall and winter, the adults and immature young congregate into family groups of up to 20 birds.

A Mountain Quail couple in nature ( Image : Rae C )

Mountain Quail is an elegant ground living bird which overall keeps a shy attitude and its habits can be secretive. Any flight is usually short and explosive, with many rapid wing beats followed by a slow glide to the ground