Overview
These birds have a curving crest or plume, made of six feathers, that droops forward: black in males and brown in females; the flanks are brown with white streaks. Males have a dark brown cap and a black face with a brown back, a grey-blue chest and a light brown belly. Females and immature birds are mainly grey-brown with a light-colored belly.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Odontophoridae
- Genus
- Callipepla
- Species
- californica orecta
Habitat
Found in sagebrush, foothills, and woodlands.
Diet
Seeds, insects, plant material, berries.
Behavior
These birds forage on the ground, often scratching at the soil. They can sometimes be seen feeding at the sides of roads. If startled, these birds explode into short rapid flight, called flushing. Given a choice, they will normally escape on foot.
Hunting
Upland game bird most effectivily hunted with bird dogs.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.