Annual Cycle of Reproduction and Molt in Gambel Quail of the Rio Grande Valley, Southern New Mexico

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Abstract
Annual cycles of gonadal activity, behavior, body weight, and molts of Lophortyx gam-belii were studied from 1959 to 1961. Recrudescence of testes began early in Feb. and of ovaries about 2 weeks later. Laying began in mid-April. Onset of activity in each sex was uniform among individuals and among years. In both sexes gonadal regression began in June, but time of onset of regression was variable. Laying hens were found until early August, and males with active testes through July. The hatching season consumed about 100 days. It began in May each year but lasted later (early Sept.) in 1960 than in 1959 and 1961. The cycle of social behavior is described; it was correlated with, and probably controlled by, gonadal cycles. Molts are described; they are similar to those of California Quail. Onset of postnuptial molting coincided with gonadal regression on a population basis, but lack of a close correlation between the two in a number of individuals argues against direct causation. Basic control over the reproductive cycle is probably photoperiodic. Comparison with cycles in the California Quail reveals close similarity, the principal difference being a later extension of breeding activity in the Gambel Quail. Similarities and differences in timing of breeding among various North American galliforms are the results of adaptation to local climate conditions.

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