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    Mountain Quail Identification

    Mountain Quail Adult
    Adult

    Large, round-bodied quail with 2 straight plumes, that often appear as one on top of its head. Note chestnut throat, bold white bars on its side, and a short tail.

    © Aaron Maizlish | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 27, 2014
    Mountain Quail Adult
    Adult

    Large, round-bodied quail with 2 straight plumes, that often appear as one on top of its head. Note chestnut throat, bold white bars on its side, and rusty undertail coverts.

    © Ken Chamberlain | Macaulay LibraryOregon, July 12, 2015
    Mountain Quail Adult
    Adult

    Rapidly walks or runs along the ground, usually sticking close to cover.

    © Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 27, 1997
    Mountain Quail Immature
    Immature

    Immatures are mottled brown overall with a shorter brown plume.

    © Matt Davis | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 05, 2016
    Mountain Quail Adult
    Adult

    Found in shrubby areas in mountains in the western United States.

    © Matt Davis | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, July 15, 2015
    Mountain Quail Adult
    Adult

    Forages primarily on the ground. Rapidly kicks its feet back and forth in leaf litter to uncover seeds and insects.

    © Jeff Stacey | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 02, 2015
    See more images of this species in Macaulay Library

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    Adult Description

    • Large quail.
    • Runs on ground.
    • Small round head with long plume sticking straight up.
    • Round body with short tail.
    • Reddish face.
    • Bold white bars on flanks.

    Immature Description

    Similar to adult, but less strongly marked.
    Relative Size

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 10.2-12.2 in (26-31 cm)
      • Weight: 6.7-9.2 oz (189-262 g)

    Species in This Family

    New World Quail(Order: Galliformes, Family: Odontophoridae)

    Mountain QuailMountain Quail
    Northern BobwhiteNorthern Bobwhite
    Scaled QuailScaled Quail
    California QuailCalifornia Quail
    Gambel's QuailGambel's Quail
    Montezuma QuailMontezuma Quail

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