Genetic variability and population structure of the Montezuma quail () in the northern limit of its distribution.

Restricted movement among populations decreases genetic variation, which may be the case for the Montezuma quail (), a small game bird that rarely flies long distances. In the northern limit of its distribution, it inhabits oak-juniper-pine savannas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Understanding genetic structure can provide information about the demographic history of populations that is also important for conservation and management.