California Quail (Callipepla californica)

Photo by Nancy Christensen / Macauley Library

Here's an interesting bird, both in appearance and behaviour.   Mt National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America says: "Scientific evidence has recently placed the New World Quail in their own family.   All have chunky bodies and crests or head plumes...in North America most live in the west".

However, unlike other quail, the California Quail is found as far north as southern British Columbia, in Canada.   In North America, most quail live in the west, which explains why I have never seen or photographed one in southern Ontario.

Its curled topknot distinguishes it from other quail in its range, except Gambel's Quail, but its scaly underparts distinguish it from the Gambel's.

The California Quail is often found in suburban areas of the U.S. west coast, feeding on lawns or attending feeders with spilled grain on the ground, around garden pools, birdbaths and lawn sprinklers.

My DK Birds of Canada Field Guide by Fred J. Alsop III says the California Quail adapts well to civilization but is declining in some regions because of habitat loss from overbuilding.

Alsop also notes this quail is 'solitary or paired in the breeding season....in fall, gathers in well-organized coveys of up to 100....  sentinel stands guard from perch while birds feed, at same place regularly, 1-2 hours before and after sunset....mostly vegetarian; eats some insects and spiders'.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder