California Quail

25 cm (10") Common. Open western woodlands, stream valleys, brushy foothills, suburbs, parks, estates, farms. State bird for California. Often seen in flocks, feeding on the ground.

Male: distinctive short black tear-drop shaped plume over crown. Scaled underparts. Similar male Gambel's Quail has a plain belly with a black spot.

Female: distinctive short black tear-drop shaped plume over crown. Scaled underparts.

Song: loud emphatic "Chi-ca-go", clucking noises.

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

California Quail winter distribution map

California Quail distribution map