California Quail
A species of Crested quails, Also known as Californian Partridge, Mcpherson Quail, Juvenile California Valley Quail Scientific name : Callipepla californica Genus : Crested quails
California Quail, A species of Crested quails
Also known as:
Californian Partridge, Mcpherson Quail, Juvenile California Valley Quail
Botanical name: Callipepla californica
Genus: Crested quails
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The california Quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is well adapted to urban environments. This unobtrusive and highly sociable bird lives in large flocks that sometimes count more than 70 individuals. The male and the female produce different calls, often singing in "orchestral patterns". A state bird of California, a california Quail appeared as a character in Walt Disney's "Bambi."
Size
25 cm
Life Expectancy
1-4 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
12 - 16 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 2 broods
Number of Broods
22 - 23 days
Feeding Habits
California Quail's diet is approximately 70% vegetarian, primarily comprising seeds, along with leaves, flowers, and catkins. California Quail also consumes grain, berries from manzanita and poison oak, acorns, and invertebrates like caterpillars, beetles, mites, millipedes, and snails.
Habitat
California Quail predominantly inhabit areas with a mixture of dense shrubbery and open spaces, such as broken chaparral, woodland edges, and coastal scrub. They thrive at various altitudes across California and the northwestern United States, notably within the chaparral, foothills, and high desert regions. These birds adapt well to suburban environments, frequenting parks and farms and are commonly spotted in backyards with available birdseed. The preferred habitat demonstrates a balance between adequate cover for protection and open areas for foraging.
Nest Behavior
The female california Quail is responsible for nest building. Once established, she lays eggs that both parents may help incubate. After hatching, both parents participate in caring for the young.
Nest Characteristics
California Quail nests are often hidden on the ground under cover of grasses or at the bases of shrubs or trees. They can be simple depressions lined with stems and grasses, measuring 5-7 inches wide and 1-2 inches deep. Occasionally, they are found up to 10 feet off the ground.
Dite type
Granivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Nyjer
Cracked Corn
Millet
Oats
Milo
Bird Feeder Type
Platform
Ground
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Chile
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
California Quail exhibit a distinctive lifestyle of foraging primarily on the ground, delving into leaf litter for seeds with a preference for open areas near protective cover. These birds adeptly navigate their habitat on foot, capable of swift running aided by their short legs. Flight is reserved for urgent escapes, characterized by rapid wingbeats. California Quail are known for their social structure, forming large groupings called coveys in the cooler months, often consisting of multiple family units, potentially surpassing 75 members. Roosting happens in trees, with foraging activities concentrated during morning and dusk, while midday is spent in the shelter of shrubs against predators and the sun.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
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