How to Identify a California Quail

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Note the size of the bird. The California Quail is usually 8 to 9 inches long and weighs 7 to 8 ounces. They have short legs and a plump body.
Step 2:
Check the color of the bird's feathers. California Quail have blue-gray chests and black, brown and white speckled backs and lower bodies. Their faces are identified by what looks like a black mask with a white border.
Step 3:
Notice the bird's head. Both male and female California Quail have a black or dark brown tear-dropped shaped plume on the top of their heads.
Step 4:
Find the small bird in California and beyond. California Quail live year-round in California and also in the Pacific Coast states. The California Quail also lives in the southwestern and western United States, Canada and Hawaii.
Step 5:
Look down. While the California Quail is not a flightless bird, they do not fly very often and make their nests on the ground. The California Quail prefers to nest in open woodlands, brushy areas or valleys near water sources. Many live close to the suburbs.
Step 6:
Find their community in the fall. Quail live in coveys or groups numbering 25 to 40 birds. In the spring breeding seasons, the coveys break up into mating pairs.
Step 7:
Look for dust pits. California Quail like to take dust baths. They scratch out a small pit on the ground and rub and roll through the dust. Finding 1- to 2-inch deep by 3- to 6-inch wide indentations denote quail are in the area.
Step 8:
Listen for their sounds. The California Quail make low chattering and grunting sounds. They also make a sound resembling the word "Chicago" with the second syllable emphasized.

Resources

Find quail facts at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology's website.

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