[7] The two recognized subspecies are:[8] Former subspecies Cyrtonyx montezumae sallei (Salle's quail or the spot-breasted quail) was recently elevated to full species status by the IUCN Red List under BirdLife International, along with other sources, based on plumage differences.

[12] Both sexes have the back and wing coverts tan with longitudinal light-buff streaks formed by the feather shafts and circular or transversely oblong black spots arranged in bars.

Juveniles resemble females, but the underparts are grayish with white shaft streaks and black dots.

[7] Their habitat is open woods, most often oak, but also pine-oak and juniper, with grass at least 30 cm (1 ft) tall.

At night, birds in a covey roost on southeast-facing slopes, gathered around a rock or tussock, facing outward.

[13] In the presence of humans, Montezuma quail crouch motionless in tall grass instead of running.

They may allow an approach as close as 1 m before flying (taking off with a "loud, popping wing noise"[12]) and on rare occasions have been caught by hand.

[13] Males begin singing in February or March, but nesting does not start till July or August, the season of "monsoon" rains throughout its range.

Particularly important plant foods are Oxalis and other bulbs, as well as sedge (Cyperus esculentus and C. sphaerolepis) tubers, which it digs up.

The holes, often at the bases of bushes and rocks, may be as much as 8 cm deep and are a good sign of the bird's presence.

[7] A greater threat appears to be cattle grazing, not because of competition for food, but because it depletes the cover in which the quail hide.