Overview
They are easily recognized by their top knots and scaly plumage on their undersides. Gambel's quail have bluish-gray plumage on much of their bodies, and males have copper feathers on the top of their heads, black faces, and white stripes above their eyes.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Odontophoridae
- Genus
- Callipepla
- Species
- gambelii
Habitat
Lives in thorny brushy vegitation throughout Northern Mexico and Arizona, along breaks in terrain these quail will seek shelter. Honey Mesquite, Hackberry, Yucca, Catclaw Acacia, Prickly Pear Cactus, Salt Cedar, and Salt Bush are good cover.
Diet
Seeds, insects, plant material, berries.
Behavior
They primarily move about by walking and can move surprisingly fast through brush and undergrowth. They are a non-migratory species and are rarely seen in flight. Any flight is usually short and explosive, with many rapid wingbeats, followed by a slow glide to the ground. In the late summer, fall, and winter, the adults and immature young congregate into coveys of many birds. In the spring, they pair off for mating and become very aggressive toward other pairs.
Hunting
Upland game bird most effectivily hunted with bird dogs.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.