The California Quail is the state bird of California and the most recognisable of the western quail, thanks to the comma-shaped topknot that curves forward over its face. It is a sociable bird that lives in coveys and does well in dry brushy country, gardens and chaparral alike. Plumage is grey and brown with a finely scaled belly, and the male's black face outlined in white makes him hard to mistake. As a native species it is generally permit-controlled to keep, and it is far more an aviary and conservation bird than a production one.
Cold hardy
Heat tolerant
Broody
Flighty
Egg colorCream Spotted
Egg production50–90 / year
TemperamentFlighty
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeOrnamental
Weight
Weight6-7 oz
How to spot it
Plumage
Grey breast, brown back, and a distinctly scaled cream-and-chestnut belly patch
Sex differences
Male has a black face bordered white and a longer, fuller topknot; the hen is plainer grey-brown with a short plume
Call
A three-note “chi-ca-go” rally call
Look for
The forward-curling teardrop topknot over a scaled belly — Gambel's has the same plume but an unscaled, pale belly
