Nonmigratory Species: Quail

Quail are the second-most-hunted species in America—at least in terms of numbers shot each year. They are tiny, averaging six ounces, so many are needed to provide a family dinner. American hunters annually take some 35 million bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) in the East and Midwest and another 8 million western quail, such as Gambel’s or desert quail (Callipepla gambelii), Mearns or harlequin quail (Cytonyx Montezuma), scaled or blue quail (Callipepla squamata), and California or valley quail (Callipepla californica).