Cyrtonyx montezumae
Length: 7-9 Weight: 0.25-0.5 lbs
Identification:
Male has black breast and sides with numerous white spots, brown back with black barring, and a crisply painted black and white face. Female is tan overall with black barring on back and muted head markings similar to male.
Distribution:
Resident of central and western Mexico from near Yucatan Peninsula, north into extreme southern Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Cool Facts:
This bird is colloquially known as Mearn’s Quail, Harlequin Quail, or Fool Quail.
When frightened, Montezuma Quail typically remain very still until the threat is too close; they may even freeze long enough to be picked up by hand.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 