Species · GBIF taxon 5228080
California Quail
Callipepla californicaAlso known as California Valley Quail, Valley Quail
California quail are highly social birds that spend most of their time on the ground, moving in bustling autumn flocks called coveys. Both sexes sport a distinctive, forward-curving crest of feathers on their heads, though the male's plume is larger and accompanied by a striking black throat. When startled, they prefer to run rapidly through the underbrush rather than take flight, communicating with a famous three-syllable call.
SocialGround-dwellingVocal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Seeds
- Insects
- Berries
Predators
- Coopers Hawk
- Feral Cats
- Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat loss, domestic predators, and climate change
HabitatsChaparral, oak woodlands, coastal scrub, and suburban parks
Life span1 to 4 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOdontophoridae
- SpeciesCallipepla californica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Listen for their distinctive three-syllable call which sounds like chi-ca-go.
- Watch the ground: Look for them scratching through leaf litter in brushy areas.
- Keep distance: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid scattering the covey.
Co-occurring Species (c) Diana, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diana · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
Close Relative ALAN SCHMIERER / CC0 · cc0
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