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Diet and Associations with Parasite Infections of Scaled Quail in the Trans-Pecos, Texas
Zoe Carroll, Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Dale Rollins, and Ryan Luna
The Trans-Pecos region of Texas hosts four species of quail, but the scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) is arguably the most significant quail species in the region ecologically and economically. Despite this, research is limited regarding the diet and parasite aspects of its life history. This project investigated two objectives regarding aspects of scaled quail on a region-wide scale in the Trans-Pecos: to determine primary forage selection on fed/unfed sites and to determine if associations exist between diet and eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and cecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) infections.
Scaled quail (183) were trapped year-round from sites across the Trans-Pecos. Crop contents were sorted, weighed, and identified to make determinations about primary forages, diet selection, and preferences for supplemental feed. Eyeworms and cecal worms were removed from collected quail to determine if any associations existed between diet and parasite abundance.
Data led to the conclusion that quail consume a variety of foods in the Trans-Pecos, including seeds from shrubs, green vegetation and succulent plants. Foods that quail select for when provided supplemental feed include gummyleaf acacia (Vachellia vernicosa), tasajillo (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis) and common desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus). There were no major significant associations between the amount of insects consumed by quail and the parasites present in quail samples, which may mean that if there are any associations, they may not be consequential.
The information collected can inform researchers and managers on quail’s primary diet components, diet selection with regards to supplemental feeding, and associations between diet and parasite infections. Conclusions from this study can be used to better understand scaled quail life history and population declines in Texas, with essential information about quail diet to better help quail population managers.
Funding source: Park Cities Quail Coalition, San Antonio Quail Coalition, Houston Quail Coalition.
