Comparative temperature and moisture responses in Gambel and Scaled Quail

TitleComparative temperature and moisture responses in Gambel and Scaled Quail
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1971
AuthorsHenderson CW
JournalThe Condor
Volume73
Pagination430-436
Date Published1971
Call Number00610
Keywordsarticle, articles, Aves, Callipepla, Aves, Lophortyx, bird, Gambel Quail, metabolism, bird, physiology, bird, Scaled Quail, metabolism, journal, journals
AbstractGambel Quail (Lophortyx gambelii) range throughout the desert areas of the extreme southwestern United States and northern Mexico, while Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) generally inhabit the more mesic semiarid grass plains of the Southwest and much of Mexico. The ranges of the two species overlap in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico (A.O.U. 1957; Leopold 1959). The habitats of theses species are similar in the area of sympatry. The species are also similar in general body size, food habits, and in other parameters of their ecology. Comparative data relating to temperature and water relations would appear to be valuable in understanding these sympatric and closely related species. These data are also important in understanding adaptations of birds to hot, arid climates.