Research on Quail
Current Research
Evaluation of Northern Bobwhite in Western Oklahoma
- Habitat and Population Dynamics
- In this approach, researchers will fit both adult quail and chicks with transmitters to determine which factors affect habitat use, production/recruitment, and mortality of bobwhites during the annual cycle. In addition to telemetry work, habitat manipulations will be closely monitored for vegetative changes and biological information will be collected from hunter-harvested birds. Anticipated models from this approach will predict quail population responses to drought and evaluate the role of temperature in nest initiation and bobwhite survival.
- Arthropod Availability and Preference
- Telemetry work from the habitat and population dynamics studies will be used in conjunction with arthropod sampling to determine how nest location and chick survival are linked to arthropod abundance. Invertebrate samples will be taken from preferred home ranges, known nesting sites, and areas where foraging is not occurring. Researchers will also attempt to identify how diets fluctuate with respect to chick developmental stage. A model will be developed at the end of this approach to predict how nest selection and chick survival will be influenced by invertebrate abundance.
- Aerial/Terrestrial Predator Influence on Usable Space
- The potential impact of both avian and mammalian predators will be evaluated through raptor surveys, perching site assessments, and carnivore surveys. A GIS model will be developed using these surveys, predicting how potential raptor perch sites (including human structures) and areas frequented by mammals (riparian areas, food plots, etc.) may facilitate predation of quail.
- Aflatoxicosis
- Though aflatoxin-related issues have long been a
concern for waterfowl managers, the role of this fungus
in quail populations has yet been determined. To better
understand the potential effects on quail, several seed
sources (including both native and commercially-obtained
seed) will be evaluated for sub-lethal concentrations.
Additionally, researchers hope to learn how feeders and
supplemental feeding strategies influence quail and
quail predation.
- Though aflatoxin-related issues have long been a
concern for waterfowl managers, the role of this fungus
in quail populations has yet been determined. To better
understand the potential effects on quail, several seed
sources (including both native and commercially-obtained
seed) will be evaluated for sub-lethal concentrations.
Additionally, researchers hope to learn how feeders and
supplemental feeding strategies influence quail and
quail predation.
Operation Idiopathic Decline
- www.quailresearch.org e-Quail Newsletter2011, Volume 3 Number
2 (February 2011)
Past Research
Habitat
- Response of Northern Bobwhites to Managed Forest Landscapes
- Improving Management for Bobwhite Quail: Re-evaluation of Movements, Group Dynamics, Habitat and Feeding Ecology
- Effects of land cover change in Sandy Sanders, Packsaddle and Cooper Wildlife Management Areas on state birds of greatest conservation need
Mortality
Movement
- Analysis of Bobwhite Demographics, Ranges and Mobility on Packsaddle WMA (W-149-R) abstract
- Analysis of Bobwhite Movement and Survival on the Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area
Ecology