California Quail (Callipepla californica)
The California crested quail (Latin: Callipepla californica), or California partridge, is a bird of the scaled quail genus in the family of toothed-bill quails. It is one of the most well-known species in its family. Slightly smaller in size than the gray partridge.
Appearance
Body length 23–25 cm. Males and females have similar plumage, but females are slightly paler. Males have a black throat patch and facial markings. Upper body and head are gray-brown, with crest feathers tipped in white. Neck and breast are bluish-gray. Flanks are brown with thin white longitudinal stripes. Belly and undertail are yellowish-brown with a black scaled pattern. Juveniles resemble adults, but the black scaled pattern on the belly is absent, and crest feathers are shorter and without white tips.
Distribution
The species is native to the western coast of North America. It has been introduced to Hawaii, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina.
Behavior and habitat
Inhabits arid grasslands and shrublands from sea level up to 2,450 m. Prefers areas with shrubs 1–7 m high. Also uses cultivated landscapes if water is nearby. California quail are mostly sedentary. Small groups of 10–40 birds occupy wintering areas of 9.6–33.6 hectares. Birds spend most of their time on the ground but roost in trees.
California Quail Habitat
