Gambel's Quail

Overview

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) is a small ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. It inhabits the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Identification

• Bluish-gray plumage on much of the body with scaly patterns on the undersides.
• Males feature copper feathers on the top of the head, black faces, and white stripes above the eyes.
• Average length of 11 in (28 cm) with a wingspan of 14–16 in (36–41 cm).
• Relatively short, rounded wings and long, featherless legs.

Habitat

Found in the desert regions of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Sonora, as well as the New Mexico-border Chihuahua and the Colorado River region of Baja California. The species is also established on San Clemente Island following an introduction in 1912.

Diet

The diet consists primarily of plant matter and seeds. Chicks are decidedly more insectivorous than adults, gradually consuming more plant matter as they mature.

Did you know?

Gambel's quail can be commonly confused with California quail due to similar plumage, but are distinguished by the black patch on the lower breast of the male, which is absent in the California quail.