Mearn's quail are one of the most unique species of quail that the West has to offer. Also known as the Harlequin or Montezuma quail, these birds inhabit portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Their range also includes portions of Mexico. Mearn's quail require both an oak overstory and a heavy grass understory for survival and successful nesting. In Arizona, the prime Mearn's quail habitat is found on U.S. Forest Service land which is leased to ranchers for cattle grazing.