This page written by Jason Eckert.
Created and Maitained
by Mark C. Wallace
12/12/2000

Scaled quail are usually found in mesquite or juniper savanna habitats. They also prefer calcareous soils and will not survive in places that lack heavy cover. The C.s.castanogastris prefer prickly pear cactus flats and the C.s pallida prefer open mesquite grassland (Johnsgard,1973). In winter they feed in weed patches. They remain in grain stubble fields during early morning then move to cover for rest. They must have overhead protection and open space below because they prefer to run when disturbed. In the winter time, scaled quail rely on weedy forbs such as Amaranthus, Helianthus and Ambrosia for food. In summer and other times of the year they have been known to eat Pinus edulis, Sasola iberica, and Prosopis glandulosa seed. Four winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and Aromatic Sumac (Rhus aromatica) make excellent covering for Scaled quail.