How to Identify aCalifornia Quail
Callipepla californica · 9.4–10.6 in (24–27 cm)
Male vs. female
Male
Gray chest, scaled golden belly, black face outlined in white, chestnut crown and a curving black plume.
Female
Grayer and plainer with a shorter plume and no black face pattern.
Male photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Second photo: Zenzicubic / Wikimedia, CC BY 4.0
Field marks
- Comma-shaped plume drooping forward over the face
- Scaled pattern on the belly
- Black-and-white face on the male
- Streaked brown flanks
Similar species
What it sounds like
A rhythmic three-note "chi-CA-go" used to keep the covey together.
Behaviour that gives it away
Coveys post a sentinel on a high perch to watch for hawks while the rest feed on the ground below.
Habitat & range
Chaparral, oak woodland, parks, farmland edges and gardens throughout California and the Northwest.
When you'll see it
Present all year in western North America.
What it eats
Seeds, leaves, berries and insects taken from the ground.
Did you know?
It is the state bird of California, and coveys routinely post a lookout while the rest of the group feeds.
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