WHAT MAKES IT A “CALIFORNIA” QUAIL?
When most people think of quail, a small, plumed bird probably comes to mind. Only California and Gambel’s quail have that comma-shaped plume, and since they live in similar habitat, you have to look for small variations in plumage to tell them apart. The top of a California male’s head is black, where the Gambel’s is chestnut brown. Gambel’s quail have a large black spot below a buff stripe on their lower abdomen where California quail have rich brassy and copper colored feathers. Both male quail have white brow and “jaw” stripes against a black face. Their upper breast is light blue, and they have olive grey wings and backs with white flecked sides. Females have no face mask, and are drab on the breast and abdomen for better camouflage when sitting on nests. These quail range in size from 9-11 inches and weigh 6 or 7 ounces. WHERE CAN YOU FIND THEM? California quail thrive in brushy areas where they have ready access to water. They need dense brush where they can escape from predator
