Family: Odontophoridae, New World Quail view all from this family

Description 9-11" (23-28 cm). A stocky, mainly gray quail with a curved black head plume. Similar to Gambel's Quail, but crown brown, not chestnut; forehead buff, not black; and belly scaled, lacking black patch in center. Female less boldly marked than male.

Habitat Brushy chaparral foothills and live-oak canyons; also adjacent desert and suburbs.

Nesting 12-16 cream- or buff-colored eggs, blotched and dotted with brown, in a shallow depression lined with grass.

Range Originally resident from southern Oregon south to Baja California. Introduced to Pacific Northwest, Idaho, and other inland states.

Voice   A loud distinctive ka-kah-ko or Chi-ca-go, the second note highest.

Discussion Perched on a tree or a fence post, the male California Quail claims his territory by cackling and posturing. The entire family takes to trees for roosting as well as for safety. After the breeding season, these birds become gregarious, gathering in large coveys and often visiting city parks, gardens, and yards. This is the quail with the "topknot" featured in the animated films of Walt Disney.