Abstract
Literature describing the ecology of Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is severely lacking. Their unique foraging strategy allows observers to study their foraging habitat selection without capturing them. We located 37 foraging sites in the pinyon-juniper (Pinus-Juniperus) woodlands of Lincoln County, New Mexico, over 2 years and analyzed the data using logistic regression analysis. The mean heights and the mean distances to the closest trees were the most significant factors in foraging site selection. Selection for a site increased by 19% for every 1 m increase in the mean distance to closest trees and decreased by 64% for every 1 m increase in the mean height of the closest trees. These findings support previous Montezuma Quail foraging site selection studies in oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands, which predicted Montezuma Quail select for relatively low (26%) canopy cover.
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