Quick Answer
Yes, Gambel's quail can be attracted with food, such as sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet, which can be scattered on the ground or offered at a bird feeder with small openings.
Choosing the Right Food
Gambel’s quail are attracted to seeds and grains, including sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. When selecting a food source, consider the time of year and the quail’s nutritional needs. For example, during breeding season, quail may require more protein-rich foods such as mealworms or suet. In the winter, when food sources are scarce, offer more calorie-dense foods like cracked corn or sunflower seeds.
Attracting Gambel’s Quail with Feeders
To attract Gambel’s quail with feeders, choose a feeder with small openings (about 1-2 inches in diameter) to prevent larger birds from accessing the food. Install the feeder in an area with dense cover, such as a thicket or shrub, to provide quail with a sense of security. Consider using a ground-level feeder or a platform feeder to make it easier for quail to access the food.
Tips for Scattering Food
When scattering food on the ground, consider using a technique called “strip feeding,” where you scatter food in a narrow strip, about 10-15 feet long and 2-3 feet wide. This allows quail to forage for food without feeling overwhelmed or threatened. Use a consistent amount of food each day to create a routine for the quail and make them more likely to visit the area regularly.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.