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California Quail Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    California Quail are plump, short-necked game birds with a small head and bill. They fly on short, very broad wings. The tail is fairly long and square. Both sexes have a comma-shaped topknot of feathers projecting forward from the forehead, longer in males than females.

    Relative Size

    About the size of Northern Bobwhite; half the size of a Ring-necked Pheasant

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 9.4-10.6 in (24-27 cm)
      • Weight: 4.9-8.1 oz (140-230 g)
      • Wingspan: 12.6-14.6 in (32-37 cm)