The mountain quail, identified by their long straight black head plumes, are found mainly in higher elevations and within reach of water. Acorns make up a large part of the quails' diet in autumn, when the acorns are still soft and green at the base. The quail cut into the acorn at the base, open a hole, and then split away the rest of the covering. Mountain quail may also climb into the tree and pull off the green acorns. These lovely quail are now quite rare and may be declining due to the loss of oaks and pines to wildfires.
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Muller's oak (Quercus cornelius-mulleri)