by: Morgan Osborn, Texas A&M WFSC '16
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| A crested caracara caught stealing eggs out of a dummy nest set up by Texas Quail Index |
Despite being ground-dwelling birds battling many obstacles
with ground predation, Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus, hereafter referred
to as “quail”) still have to worry about the bigger birds in the sky. Diurnal raptors
(Falconiformes), such as harriers, acciptiers, and buteos, and nocturnal
raptors (Strigiformes), such as large owls, have been documented feeding on
quail (Hernandez and Peterson, 2007). A study done by Parmalee in 1942
determined that Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter
cooperii) is a predominant predator on wintering quail in the Post Oak
Region of Texas. However, in north central areas of the United States, such as
Iowa and Wisconsin, the great horned owl (Bubo
virginianus) is a notable predator on wintering quail (Parmalee, 1942). A
study done in Georgia on red-tailed hawks (Buteo
jamaicensis), who feed on prey between fifteen grams and two kilograms
(about half an ounce to almost four and a half pounds), determined the hawks
were found within a small radius of a quail feeding site three times as often
as compared to outside of the range, and although the hawks were attracted to
the abundance of rodents stealing a free meal, quail can be easily be taken
as prey when they are without adequate cover (Turner et al,
2008). Although hawks and owls will grab a quail for an easy meal, accipiters (Accipiter spp.) and northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) prey on quail more often
than other avian predators (Rollins and Carroll, 2001).
Although, as studies have shown, the reaction of quail in
response to avian predators is innate and instinctive, quail still need somewhere
to escape and hide (Melvin and Cloar, 1969). Especially with the abundance of
avian predators on the rise since the late 1960s (Hernandez and Peterson,
2007), a quail’s short, round stature, small wings and large feet may make
running an easier get away, but without sufficient cover, quail are sitting
ducks. By increasing the amount of woody, loafing and screening cover, quail will be more
adequately protected. Perkins et al. (2014) determined that when attempting to
evade an avian predator, quail landed in areas with vegetation 38.1 centimeters
taller than random available vegetation, and quail only demonstrated the
utilization of woody shrub cover during avian trials in comparison to hunter,
mammalian, and researcher threat simulations.
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| Two suitable mesquite trees for cover: a half cut mesquite (left) and a large mesquite (right) |
Woody cover helps mask quail from raptors by creating a
thick barrier of brush and shrubs (TWPD, 2008). Killing two birds with one
stone, woody cover, which overlaps with loafing cover or an area where quail
can rest or dust, provides protection from adverse weather conditions and a
shady sanctuary from the sizzling sun (Hernandez and Peterson, 2007). An ideal
quail habitat, according to a Bobwhite Quail habitat evaluation guide developed
for the Bobwhite Brigades, has 20-40% woody
cover with each acceptable thicket being a softball’s thowing distance from
each other, allowing quail to easily move from cover to cover. Ideal woody
cover species include lotebush (Zizyphus
obtusifolia), mequite (Prosopis
glandulosa), and Shinnery oak (Quercus
havardii) (TPWD, 2005). When evading avian predators, quail can be observed
with an increased usage of agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and littleleaf
sumac (Rhus microphylla) due to the
dense, obstructive nature of the plants (Perkins et al., 2014). Half cutting mesquite trees can increase
suitable woody cover by making better use of trees that were not providing
suitable cover. Screening cover, consisting of mostly tall bunchgrasses,
broad-leafed forbs, and shrubs, allows chicks to roam with protection from
avian and other predators (Rollins and Carroll, 2001).
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| A prescribed burn being conducted to limit plant over-abundance. |
Even though woody plants are beneficial to quail, an
over-abundance of woody plants limits the number of suitable woody cover areas;
a prescribed burn helps limit this
excess. To benefit quail, a “Softball Habitat Evaluation Technique” can be applied to
create an ideal habitat and allow ample protection and food for quail. To find more information on how to
get involved and make a
difference, publications including Habitat Monitoring for Quail on Texas Rangelands and Predator Control
as a Tool in Wildlife Management
can be found at the AgriLife Bookstore with supplementing videos on the Texas A&M Wildlife and Fisheries Extension YouTube page.
Funding support
provided by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative and the Upland Game Bird
Stamp Fund, based on a collaborative effort by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Hernández, F. and M. J. Peterson. 2007. Northern Bobwhite
Ecology and Life History. Pages 41-64. Brennan, L. A., editor. 2007.
Texas Quails Ecology and Management. Texas A&M University Press, College
Station, USA.
Melvin, K. B., and F. T. Cloar. 1969. Habituation of Responses
of Quail (Colinus Virginianus) to a
Hawk (Buteo Swainsoni): Measurement
Through an ‘Innate Suppression’ Technique. Animal Behavior 17: 468-473.
Parmalee, P. W. 1952a. Contribution to the ecology of
bobwhite quail in the post oak region of Texas. Dissertation, Agricultural and
Mechanical College of Texas, College Station.
Perkins, R., C. Boal, D. Rollins, and R. M. Perez. 2014.
Northern Bobwhite Predator Avoidance Behavior in Response to Varying Types of
Threat. The Journal of Wildlife Management: 1-10.
Rollins, D., and J. P. Carroll. 2001. Impacts of Predation
on Northern Bobwhite and Scaled Quail. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29: 39-51.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
2005. Where have all the quail gone?
PWD RP W7000-1025.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
2008. The Upland Game Bird Management Handbook for Texas
Landowners. PWD RP W7000-1558 (08/08).
Turner, A. S., L. M. Conner, and R. J. Cooper. 2008.
Supplemental Feeding of Northern Bobwhite Affects Red-Tailed Hawk Spatial
Distribution. The Journal of Wildlife Management 71: 428-432.