California Quail
Callipepla californica · New World Quail
The California Quail is a handsome, ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive, forward-curving head plume. Often seen in coveys, these birds navigate their brushy habitats with a characteristic strut and head-nodding motion. If disturbed, they typically run for cover but can launch into a fast, low flight.
Explore the full field guideResidentMedium-sizedChirping callOmnivorous
2 calls·first heard Sep 23·last 4d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Both sexes have a dark, curving topknot; it is larger and blacker in males, while shorter and browner in females.
- Males display a black face outlined by bold white stripes, with a dark brown cap.
- Both sexes have intricately scaled underparts, with males showing a creamy yellow belly and a chestnut patch.
- Females are generally plainer brown overall, lacking the distinct facial markings of the male.