Post II
The Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a heavily patterned quail that resides in the mountain grasslands and woodlands found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The male and female are nearly identical. The female’s call is described as “a quavering, descending series of metallic whistles with an otherworldly quality” (All About Birds). The call of a male Montezuma Quail is thought to resemble an insect, a buzzing sound that is similar to the females in quality. The flanks of the quail are heavily spotted, and a brown stripe runs down the chest. The face is heavily patterned as well, with vivid black and white markings covering the entirety of the birds head. Personally, I would call it a Vivid Quail or a Whistling Quail, although you should make up whichever name that you feel suits the bird best.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Montezuma_Quail/overview
National Audubon Society
Thinking up a new name can be hard, so here are a few tips:
- Try not to include “Common” in your name
- Take into account the habitat, calls, and/or features of the bird in question. There is such a thing as a Black-bellied Whistling Duck!
- For scientific names that are not based on the person the bird is named after, try to include it. For instance, the Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) might be called the Delicate Snipe.
If you are interested in participating in more of these, each week’s bird will also be available on a separate page titled Name That Bird!
Missoula Bird Nerds 