California Quail (callipepla californica)

Size: 25cm, 180g

Description: Male has black throat, blue-grey breast, brown-grey wings and back. underparts are flecked with white. Female is similar but with more brown and no black on face. Both sexes have a distinctive crest plume.

Habitat: Open areas dispersed with low scrub. Often associated with Manaka scrub and various introduced plant species.

Status: Common North American introduction.

Breeding: Septermber-March. 8-21 eggs in a nest in long grass near thick vegetation. California quail are able to breed at one year of age.

Where to photograph: California quail are often quite tame in and around public camping areas.

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