What does a Gambel's quail chick eat?

The eating habits of Gambel's quail chicks are quite different from those of adults, with young birds relying upon insects for most of their daily caloric needs. As the chicks age, they gradually incorporate more and more plant matter into their diets.

Fully grown Gambel's quails subsist upon a diet that is 90 percent vegetarian. Insects remain in their diet as a supplement, especially during nesting season when their caloric needs are greater. However, the adult birds mostly consume seeds and some foliage, with fruit from cacti being incorporated whenever it is in season. Both adults and chicks require little free water, getting most of their moisture from food.