1. Identifying Foods and Environmental Requirements For Game Birds

2. Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed HS ‐ LS2 ‐ 8. Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on: (1) distinguishing between group and individual behavior, (2) identifying evidence supporting the outcomes of group behavior, and (3) developing logical and reasonable arguments based on evidence. Examples of group behaviors could include flocking, schooling, herding, and cooperative behaviors such as hunting, migrating, and swarming.

3. Bell Work / Objectives Identify the food requirements of popular game birds. Identify the environmental requirements of popular game birds. What game birds are important in New Mexico? Why?

4. Terms Bound water Metabolic water Open water

5. Identifying Foods and Environmental Requirements Plants need water, light, nutrients, and support to produce suitable wildlife habitat. Game Birds have requirements for growth generally supplied by plants. What should a landowner do to manage their land to be certain that food and environmental requirements are met for a game bird population?

6. What are the food requirements of popular game birds? The diet of the quail varies over the year. Due to availability of food sources and activity level of the bird. Diets consist primarily of seeds from plants. Plants from roadsides, open range or agricultural crops.

7. What are the food requirements of popular game birds? Non-breeding quail require a minimum of 60 calories of usable energy per day. The type of seed available determines amount consumed to meet requirements.

8. What are the food requirements of popular game birds? Second source of food is insects. A cricket equals about 25 to 30 grain plant seeds in energy value. Insects are a valuable food source during warmer months if moisture is available.

9. What are the food requirements of popular game birds? As with all living organisms, water is very important to game birds. Most birds can obtain water from three sources.

10. What are the food requirements of popular game birds? 1.Open water –Water from ponds, streams, and dew. 2.Metabolic water –Water produced when foods are metabolized. –Supplies 30 to 50% of daily water needs. 3.Bound waters –Water available from foods. –Primary source of this type is from plant greens. –A plant is normally 70 to 90% water. –This type of water is also found in insects. –Insects are 60% water.

11. What are the environmental requirements of bobwhite quail? Quail need a diverse habitat. Containing many plant species and cover types. Small blocks of cover well mixed with grassy areas. This is referred to as “edge”.

12. What are the environmental requirements of bobwhite quail? Perennial grasses provide excellent nesting cover. Short dense brush is also desirable. Nesting areas should be a minimum of 8 inches tall and 12 inches in diameter.

13. What are the environmental requirements of bobwhite quail? During March -June, males need whistling perches. In New Mexico later hatches may occur if summer rains are later than normal. –Small trees, fence posts, mesquite and other brush are common sites. –Used to establish territory and attract mates. –Should occur at a density of one per one-twentieth of an acre.

14. What are the environmental requirements of ring-neck pheasants? Pheasants enjoy an environment made up of gently rolling open country. Roosting areas on the ground near river bottoms. Prefer the open areas much more than quail. Drought and predation has severely impacted pheasant populations in New Mexico.

15. What are the environmental requirements of ring-neck pheasants? General cover requirements are the same for pheasants as with quail. Grasses need to be taller since the bird is larger.

16. Review / Summary What are the food requirements of popular game birds? What are the environmental requirements of popular game birds?

17. The End!