The Bobwhite Quail Its Life And Management

This book documents the biology of six species of New World quails that are native to North America north of Mexico (mountain, scaled, Gambel's, California, and Montezuma quails, and the northern bobwhite), three introduced Old World partridges (chukar, Himalayan snowcock, and gray partridge), and the introduced common (ring-necked) pheasant. Collectively, quails, partridges, and pheasants range throughout all of the continental United States and the Canadian provinces. Two of the species, the northern bobwhite and ring-necked pheasant, are the most economically important of all North American upland game birds. All of the species are hunted extensively for sport and are highly popular with naturalists, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Each volume deals with a specific region within OSM.

Crops of bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) collected in 11 years in the longleaf-slash pine forest type were examined for food content. Seeds of woody plants made up 45% or more of the volume of food found in crops in 9 of the 11 winters. Seeds of pines, drupes of red bay, and acorns from various oaks were large-volume food items in certain years. As a group, seeds produced by legumes were the next largest in volume, varying from 2 to 48% in the 11 winters. Seeds of partridge peas, common lespedeza, bush clovers, milkpeas, and tick-clovers were important species. Volumes of seeds of grass, spurge, and sedge families were usually less than 12% for each group, and volumes of green leaves and animal matter less than 5% each. Panic and paspalums were principal grass species. Availability of seeds influenced consumption by forest-dwelling quail. In habitat management for quail, a variety of trees and shrubs should be maintained in the forest type to better insure a dependable food base, season to season and year to year. Similarly, desirable herbaceous food plants should be encouraged by fire and mechanical means.

Authored by some of the state’s top wildlife scientists, The Upland and Webless Migratory Game Birds of Texas presents the most up-to-date and comprehensive information covering twenty-one species of game birds. Ranging from the most well-known, like the Wild Turkey and Mourning Dove, to the marsh-loving rails and other more elusive species, these birds have widespread appeal among both hunters and birders and underscore the diverse challenges facing wildlife scientists, land managers, and conservationists in Texas today. From cultural significance to taxonomy and evolutionary history, this volume provides a wealth of background information on these species. Additionally, the book offers illustrated species accounts, detailed range maps, and information about habitat and management requirements, hunting regulations, and research priorities. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of these game birds and the array of terrestrial and wetland landscapes key to their survival. This will serve as a convenient and thorough reference volume for wildlife biologists and enthusiasts, as well as landowners and hunters.