California Quails Mating for Life?

[berryncherry]

Hi everyone, I know that California quail mate for their entire lives, but I’m just curious: Does any quail experts out there know what happens when one of the mates passes away? Does the male simply find another mate or does he live without a mate for the rest of his life?

 

[cherrynberry]

Well...if they have chicks, the female just raises them on their own. And if not, the male does not mate again I believe. I think he just lives solo

 

[Chip76]

If they are anything like Gambel quail, they will probably find another mate. My female, Pedro, had a mate last summer who took off after mating season was over. This year she has a new fella, and if he leaves her even for a few minutes (she doesn't always follow), other males try to move in. Seems if a female is alone, she is fair game. Not sure from the male perspective, but my guess is they would at least try to score a new female.

 

[Ntsees]

My experience with Valleys align with what Chip78 said. If a mate dies or disappears, it'll find a new one. Last year, I had a male and 2 females. The dominant female got to be with the male and she chased away the other female. When the dominant female finished her clutch and started incubating, her absence (because she was sitting on her eggs) allowed the other female to bond with the male, and she eventually nested too. Lucky him, the male fathered both of the hen's chicks. I'm looking forward to it happening again this year.

 

[Ravenlover]

Buttons mate for life too, but if a mate dies they morn with some cries then u can try introducing a new mate and make sure they accept them.