11 Types of Quail in California (With Pictures and Identification)

Quail are just some of most likely probably the most charming floor birds discovered all by California’s wild landscapes. With their bobbing topknots, gentle cooing calls, and scurrying flocks, they create about life to every issue from dry desert washes to suburban gardens and forested hillsides.

California isn’t merely residence to 1 sort of quail—it hosts a wealthy mixture of native species, elusive mountain dwellers, and even a number of sudden firm from faraway locations. Some are frequent and daring, others are shy and barely seen, nonetheless every has a narrative value exploring.

This information introduces 11 forms of quail present in California, full with footage, identification choices, habitats, and pleasurable information. It’s a current check out a beloved group of birds that proceed to shock even seasoned birders.

Fully fully totally different Types of Quail Present in California

California Quail (Callipepla californica)

The California Quail is a plump, ground-dwelling chook merely acknowledged by its forward-drooping black crest, normally known as a “topknot.” Males current daring black-and-white facial markings with a bluish-gray chest, whereas females are browner and lack the placing face sample. Their bellies have a scaled look with creamy and chestnut tones. These quails usually purchase in coveys and make a light “chi-ca-go” determine.

Adults measure spherical 9 to 11 inches extended and weigh roughly 5 to 7 ounces. Their quick, rounded wings and extended, sq. tails enable for fast, fluttery takeoffs when startled. Irrespective of their sturdy legs, they wish to stroll or run pretty than fly, considerably when foraging or escaping predators.

California Quail breed between April and August, nesting in shallow depressions on the underside, usually hidden beneath shrubs or tall grass. Females lay 12–16 eggs, which hatch in about three weeks. Chicks are precocial, that means they’re energetic and coated in down feathers at beginning, and may modify to their dad and mom nearly instantly.

These birds thrive in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, foothills, suburban gardens, and agricultural edges. They primarily feed on seeds, grains, flowers, and small bugs. Fulfilling actuality: Males normally assist elevate chicks from fully totally different males of their covey—an uncommon current of cooperative parenting amongst sport birds.

Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus)

The Mountain Quail is a vital quail species in North America and boasts a dramatic look with two extended, straight black head plumes and wealthy chestnut flanks streaked with white. Adults have a grey breast and as soon as extra, with rufous highlights on the stomach. They’re additional secretive than fully totally different quail and like dense cowl.

They measure about 10 to 12 inches in measurement and weigh 8 to 9 ounces, making them considerably larger than California Quail. Mountain Quail are sturdy walkers and use their extraordinarily environment friendly legs to navigate steep mountain slopes and thick undergrowth, though they might burst into flight when alarmed.

Breeding happens in late spring to early summer season season, with females laying 6 to 10 eggs in a hidden nest on the underside. Each dad and mom would possibly help with brooding and principal the chicks after hatching. Their chicks are capable of depart the nest quickly after beginning and forage with the adults.

Mountain Quail inhabit high-elevation forests, chaparral, and brushy slopes, notably contained in the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. They feed on seeds, berries, buds, and small bugs. Fulfilling actuality: Not like most quail, Mountain Quail migrate vertically—shifting down from greater elevations all by winter in its place of flying extended distances.

Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii)

Gambel’s Quail are desert-adapted birds acknowledged for his or her elegant comma-shaped black topknot and scaled chest. Males have a black face, throat, and glorious chestnut crown, whereas females have plainer grey plumage. A black stomach patch helps distinguish males from the extra uniformly coloured females.

They measure spherical 9.5 to 11 inches and weigh 5.5 to six ounces, comparable in measurement to California Quail nonetheless slimmer in assemble. Their quick wings and powerful legs are good for fast, low flight and swift dashes by desert brush when threatened.

Gambel’s Quail breed in spring and early summer season season, relying on rainfall. Females typically lay 10 to 14 eggs in a shallow floor nest, usually beneath cacti, shrubs, and even man-made constructions. Chicks hatch fully feathered and start following their dad and mom inside hours.

This species lives primarily in desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and riparian corridors in southeastern California, considerably alongside the Colorado River and the Mojave Desert. Their weight discount program consists of seeds, leaves, berries, and cactus fruit. Fulfilling actuality: Gambel’s Quail don’t want standing water—moisture from crops and bugs usually suffices of their arid habitat.

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata)

The Scaled Quail, normally known as the Blue Quail, will get its set up from its distinctive feather sample—bluish-gray plumage with scale-like markings all by the chest and as soon as extra. Not like fully totally different quail, it lacks a forward-facing topknot and in its place has a brief white crest resembling a cotton ball.

Adults measure about 10 to 12 inches and weigh 6 to eight ounces. They’re quick runners and should usually flee hazard on foot pretty than take flight. Their posture is upright and alert, considerably in open terrain the place cowl is restricted.

Breeding season happens from April to July, with nests hidden beneath shrubs or grass clumps. Females lay 9 to 16 eggs, and incubation lasts about three weeks. Chicks depart the nest shortly after hatching and forage alongside adults for seeds and bugs.

Scaled Quail are uncommon in California, primarily discovered close to the Arizona and Nevada borders in dry grasslands, open plains, and desert flats. They’re additional frequent in states like New Mexico and Texas. Fulfilling actuality: When startled, Scaled Quail usually burst correct proper right into a “comet-like” explosive run, in its place of flying, making them laborious to flush.

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

The Northern Bobwhite is a small, plump quail with a brief tail and rounded physique. Males are placing, with a white throat and daring white stripe above the attention contrasting with a black cap and face. Females have comparable markings nonetheless in a buff or tan shade in its place of white.

Measuring 9 to 10.5 inches and weighing spherical 5 to six ounces, this species is barely smaller than Mountain Quail. Their distinctive whistled “bob-WHITE!” determine is often heard in spring and early summer season season, even when the chook itself stays hidden in tall grass.

Bobwhites breed in late spring and summer season season, with females laying 12 to 16 eggs in a floor nest lined with grass. Each dad and mom would possibly have a tendency the chicks, which could be precocial and start feeding instantly after hatching.

Although not native to California, Northern Bobwhite have been launched for attempting and sport farms, and occasional feral populations exist in Central Valley, grasslands, and oak savannas. Fulfilling actuality: Bobwhite coveys sleep in circle with heads out and tails in—a manner that maximizes heat and predator detection.

Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae)

The Montezuma Quail is a shy, cryptic species with a spherical physique and quick tail, coated in intricately patterned plumage. Males have daring black-and-white facial markings, chestnut flanks with white spots, and a intently seen stomach, whereas females are additional subtly coloured in tan and brown. Each sexes seem chubby and low to the underside.

This species measures about 9 to 10 inches and weighs 6 to eight ounces, with a brief, stocky assemble and comparatively small head. They’re notoriously laborious to determine, as they freeze and crouch immobile in thick grass in its place of flushing like fully totally different quail.

Montezuma Quail breed in late summer season season, normally after summer season season rains. Their nests are well-hidden, dome-shaped constructions constructed from grass. Females lay 6 to 12 eggs, and each dad and mom would possibly assist look after the youthful after hatching.

In California, this species is terribly uncommon, normally seen close to the southeastern border. They like oak woodlands, grassy slopes, and pine forests with dense floor cowl. Fulfilling actuality: Montezuma Quail think about digging up bulbs and tubers, utilizing their sturdy legs to scratch deeply into the soil.

Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

The Japanese Quail is a small, compact chook with brown, mottled plumage and a pale stomach. Males have a rusty-colored throat, whereas females have a paler throat and extra speckled breast. They resemble the Frequent Quail nonetheless are barely additional sturdy and have a louder determine.

They measure about 7 to eight inches in measurement and weigh spherical 3.5 to five ounces, making them smaller than native New World quail. Japanese Quail are quick runners and fast fliers, although they like to remain on the underside when undisturbed.

These quail are prolific breeders, with females laying as rather a lot as 300 eggs per 12 months in captivity. All through the wild or semi-feral populations, they nest on the underside in grassy areas and may elevate fairly a number of broods in a 12 months.

Though not native to California, Japanese Quail are broadly bred for eggs and meat, and occasional people escape or are launched into the wild. They might very effectively be seen close to farms, suburban areas, and grasslands. Fulfilling actuality: Japanese Quail have been used extensively in pure analysis, together with residence missions on account of their fast breeding cycle.

Frequent Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

The Frequent Quail is a small, migratory species from Eurasia and Africa, with a streaky brown as soon as extra, buff stomach, and lightweight eyebrow stripe. Males produce a particular “wet-my-lips” determine all by the breeding season. They intently resemble Japanese Quail, although they’re typically slimmer.

Adults are 6.5 to 7 inches extended and weigh 2.5 to some.5 ounces. Their compact our our our bodies and quick wings are constructed for endurance flight, as they migrate extended distances between breeding and wintering grounds of their native fluctuate.

Breeding of their native habitat takes place in late spring, with 8 to 12 eggs laid in a easy floor scrape. The feminine incubates the eggs alone and raises the chicks till they fledge.

In California, Frequent Quail shouldn’t be going to be established contained in the wild, nonetheless they’ve normally been launched for attempting or decorative capabilities. Uncommon escapees can also be seen in grasslands or fields close to farms. Fulfilling actuality: Not like most quail in California, the Frequent Quail is a sturdy flier and able to crossing seas all by migration.

King Quail (Synoicus chinensis)

The King Quail, normally known as the Asian Blue Quail or Button Quail contained in the pet commerce (to not be confused with true buttonquails), is a extraordinarily small and vibrant species. Males usually have deep blue plumage on the chest with rufous flanks and a black-and-white face sample, whereas females are principally brown and lack the daring markings.

This species is solely about 4.5 to five.5 inches extended and weighs 2 to some ounces, making it the smallest quail on this itemizing. They’ve quick wings and tails, and barely fly moreover startled. Their conduct is often shy and secretive, preferring to remain hidden in dense grass.

In captivity, King Quail are enthusiastic breeders, laying 6 to 12 eggs in grassy nests. They’re well-liked in aviaries on account of their small measurement, ease of breeding, and engaging look. All through the wild, they reside in grassy wetlands and rice paddies all by Asia.

King Quail shouldn’t be going to be native or established in California, nonetheless occasional escapees from captivity can also be seen in gardens, aviary setting, or grassy areas. Fulfilling actuality: Irrespective of their small measurement, males will carry out elaborate courtship displays that embody puffing up, tail fanning, and “dancing.”

Buttonquail (Turnix spp.)

Buttonquails shouldn’t be going to be true quail nonetheless belong to a separate household, Turnicidae, and are additional intently associated to shorebirds. They’re small, secretive ground-dwellers with quick tails, streaked brown plumage, and an uncommon gait. Females are larger and extra brightly coloured than males—a reversal of typical chook sexual dimorphism.

They widespread about 5 to six inches in measurement and weigh 1.5 to 2 ounces, relying on the species. Their calls are gentle and low-pitched, and they also’re terribly troublesome to determine contained in the wild on account of their camouflage and tendency to freeze pretty than flush.

Of their native fluctuate, Buttonquails breed on the underside, with the feminine initiating courtship. After laying 4–5 eggs, the male incubates and raises the chicks—a peculiar function reversal in birds. Nests are hidden in grassy clumps or shallow depressions.

In California, no native species of Buttonquail exists, nonetheless decorative species would possibly escape from captivity. They might normally be seen in aviary areas or decorative gardens, considerably after escaping. Fulfilling actuality: Buttonquails lack an precise crop (meals storage pouch), which is uncommon amongst land birds.

Elegant Quail (Callipepla douglasii)

Elegant Quail is a splendidly marked species typically native to northwestern Mexico, nonetheless it has been reported as a peculiar vagrant in far southern components of California, considerably close to the border. Its vibrant plumage, considerably the placing chestnut and black face markings with a protracted forward-drooping crest, makes it stand out from fully totally different New World quail.

This species is smaller than the California Quail, measuring about 9–10 inches in measurement. Males are additional vibrant, with black and white barring on the stomach and an additional pronounced crest. Females are duller, with a grayer frequent tone nonetheless nonetheless present a brief crest. Elegant Quail can normally be confused with Gambel’s Quail, nonetheless their fluctuate is additional restricted and sightings in California are unusual.

Of their native fluctuate, Elegant Quail want thorn forests, arid woodlands, and scrub habitat, usually feeding on seeds, berries, and bugs. They’re social birds and kind coveys, considerably contained in the non-breeding season. In California, uncommon sightings have been made close to the intense southern desert areas, seemingly on account of wandering or unintended introduction.

Fulfilling Actuality: The Elegant Quail’s extended forward-curving crest is exclusive amongst U.S. quail species, giving it an nearly comical nonetheless charming look.

FAQs About Quail in California

What’s the commonest quail species in California?

The California Quail (Callipepla californica) is the commonest and widespread quail species contained in the state. It is usually the official state chook of California. These birds are merely acknowledged by their forward-drooping topknot and scaled stomach feathers.

The place can I see quail in California?

Quail may be seen in all forms of habitats relying on the species. California Quail are typically seen in chaparral, suburban gardens, and oak foothills. Mountain Quail want dense brush and high-elevation forests, whereas Gambel’s Quail are present in southeastern deserts such because of the Mojave and Sonoran areas.

What do quail eat contained in the wild?

Quail are omnivores and primarily feed on seeds, grasses, berries, and bugs. Their weight discount program varies by season. In spring and summer season season, chicks rely intently on protein-rich bugs, whereas adults eat additional seeds and plant provides all 12 months prolonged.

Do quail fly?

Optimistic, quail can fly, nonetheless they wish to stroll or run. When startled, they make a fast, explosive flight normally known as a flush, nonetheless they normally journey quick distances and return to the underside shortly.

When is quail breeding season in California?

Most quail species in California breed between April and August, relying on rainfall and temperature. Nests are constructed on the underside and are generally well-hidden beneath shrubs or tall grass.

Are quail protected in California?

Wild quail populations are protected beneath state tips, nonetheless attempting is allowed for sure species all by designated seasons with an correct license. It’s unlawful to seize or kill quail exterior the attempting season and by no means using a allow.

Can you retain quail as pets in California?

Optimistic, sure quail species like Japanese or King Quail may be saved as pets in California. Nonetheless, native species much like the California Quail or Mountain Quail would possibly require specific permits if bred or saved in captivity.

What’s the excellence between California Quail and Gambel’s Quail?

Whereas each species have topknots, Gambel’s Quail has an additional glorious black stomach patch and is often present in desert areas, whereas California Quail prefers chaparral and coastal areas and lacks the black patch.

Are there non-native or launched quail in California?

Optimistic. Species much like the Japanese Quail, Frequent Quail, Northern Bobwhite, and King Quail are non-native and have been launched for farming, attempting, or decorative capabilities. These birds would possibly normally be seen contained in the wild after escaping captivity.

Do quail migrate?

Most quail in California are non-migratory, nonetheless some, much like the Mountain Quail, observe elevational migration, shifting to decrease elevations all by winter months pretty than long-distance journey.