Identification - It is the size of a plump robin. Breeding males have a bold black-and-white face pattern with tear-shaped head plume that faces forward. The back is a uniform blue-gray, underparts show a scaly belly with a red-brown patch.
Morsels - Studies have shown that some plants can govern the breeding success of quail. In times of drought, clovers produce higher concentrations of "phytoestrogens", which are similar to the hormones that regulate reproduction in birds and mammals. Birds feeding on the clovers, tend to have reduced production of eggs during drought years, which may be nature's way of ensuring that only the number of young the food source can support, will be produced.
