Wildlife habitat on rangelands is one of the most pressing conservation issues in western North America. Nearly all western upland gamebird species rely on rangeland habitats. USU Extension's Rangeland-Wildlife Habitat Lab focuses on providing the best available scientific information concerning the assessment of management and conservation practices for these species, especially our native grouse species.
Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus)
-
Has the largest range of all native quail, most of the Eastern US
-
Bobwhite quail roost in a circle with their heads facing out
-
Natural habitat ranges from pine forests to grasslands to areas around agricultural fields
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata)
-
Found in the American Southwest and into Texas and Mexico
-
Natural habitat is desert areas with sparse grasslands with few shrubs and cacti
Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae)
-
Found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, but mainly found in Mexico
-
Natural habitat is pine-oak forests with perennial grasses
-
Also known as the Mearns Quail
Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)
-
Found in high mountain areas of the west coast, Idaho, and into Mexico
-
Natural habitat ranges from desert scrub to mixed or coniferous woodlands
-
Largest Quail in North America
Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii)
-
Found in Utah
-
Found in deserts across the Southwest US
-
Natural habitat is hot deserts below an elevation of 5,500 feet
-
Would rather run from danger than fly away
California Quail (Callipepla californica)
-
Found in Utah
-
Found in the West coast states, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and into Mexico
-
The head plume is made of 6 feathers not just 1
Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
-
Found in Utah
-
Found across the northern half of the continental US
-
Introduced to North America from Asia
-
Prefer to glide than actively fly