Birds · Galliformes · Odontophoridae

California Quail

Callipepla californica

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The California quail is the state bird of California and one of the most recognisable birds of the North American west, thanks to the plume of black feathers that falls forward from its forehead. It lives in flocks that in winter can bring together a hundred birds. It has adapted well to gardens and the edges of towns, where family parties cross the streets in single file with the chicks behind.

Weight

140 g – 230 g

Size

24 cm – 27 cm

Lifespan

6 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

Its plume looks like a single curved feather but is in fact six overlapping feathers that work as one unit.
The winter flocks, called coveys, can bring together more than a hundred birds, and break up in spring into pairs that occupy separate territories.
Chicks from several families often join up in crèches looked after by a number of adults, and a male that has lost his mate may adopt other birds' chicks without conflict.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Chaparral, coastal scrub, forest edges and gardens of western North America
Sexual maturity: 9 months
Gestation / incubation: 22 days
Litter / clutch size: 14

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callipepla_californica