Semiarid mountains in the southwest. Roost in trees at night. Spends early morning and late afternoon foraging on ground for acorns, seeds, fruits, nuts and insects. Largest North American game bird.
Mating system is polygynous.
Female builds nest. Ten to twelve. Buff to white, marked with dull brown. Incubation takes 27-28 days. Young are able to fly after 6-10 days.