The Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a stubby, secretive New World quail of Mexico and some nearby parts of the United States. It is also known as Mearns's quail , the harlequin quail (for the male's striking pattern), and the fool quail (for its behavior).

The Montezuma Quail is something of a homebody, moving as little as 150 feet per day as it digs for tubers, acorns, and insects under the cover of dense native grasses. These birds travel in pairs or in small family groups, rarely forming large coveys.

Despite the male's extravagant stripes, streaks, and polka dots, the Montezuma Quail is a phantom of a bird that hides in mountain grasslands and oak woodlands of Mexico, its range barely creeping into the southwestern U.S.

Montezuma Quail are resident in the mountain grasslands and oak woodlands of the Sky Islands here and into Mexico. They move as little as 150 feet per day as they root amongst dense bunch grasses feeding on tubers, acorns, and insects, using their powerful feet and long, curved claws specialized for digging.

Small, chunky quail with a puffy head. Male has unmistakable clownish pattern of black and white on face, numerous white spots on chestnut belly. Female more subtly marked in pale brown but has recognizable head shape and pattern.

A remarkably patterned quail, uncommon and difficult to spot as it runs through open grassy woodlands in dry regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Male looks like he’s are wearing a black-and-white helmet; otherwise look for bold spots and streaks covering body and wings.

Many birders visiting the southwestern United States yearn to catch a glimpse of the striking little Montezuma Quail. This plump bird was once called the Harlequin Quail, for the male's pied head pattern.

Feb 8, 2024 · The Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a striking bird found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. With their elegant spotted plumage and unique harlequin-like facial patterns, Montezuma quail are a highly sought-after species for birders visiting the Southwest.

Despite the male's extravagant stripes, streaks, and polka dots, the Montezuma Quail is a phantom of a bird that hides in mountain grasslands and oak woodlands of Mexico, its range barely creeping into the southwestern U.S.

Learn about Montezuma Quail (Montezuma): explore photos, sounds, and observations collected by birders around the world.