Gambel's Quail
Callipepla gambelii
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<birdfyi-bird slug="callipepla-gambelii"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small New World quail (~175 g) of family Odontophoridae, males with a forward-drooping plume, chestnut crown, and black belly patch. Inhabits desert scrub, riparian woodland, and cactus-brush habitat in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Forages in coveys for seeds and plant shoots, dependent on succulent vegetation for water. Least Concern; thrives in arid desert environments.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 22.6 cm | 8.9 in |
| Weight | 175.41666666666666 g | 6.19 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male has black face and throat, white facial borders, rufous crown, blue-grey breast, chestnut flanks, and black patch on lower belly; forward-curving black plume. Female dull grey-brown, streaked.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in the desert southwest of the United States and northwestern Mexico. Found in desert scrub, canyon bottoms, and arid grassland.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on seeds, leaves, and cacti fruits in Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert scrub. Invertebrates important in breeding season.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 23 days.
Clutch Size
9-19
Sound
Song
Loud, descending 'chi-CA-go' call of 3–4 notes; males give repetitive assembly calls. Alarm is rapid staccato clucking; flocks produce soft conversational chi-chi notes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Odontophoridae (New World Quail) |
| Genus | Callipepla |
| Species | Callipepla gambelii |
Distribution
Gambel's Quail has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Gambel's Quail eat?
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Is the Gambel's Quail endangered?
How does the Gambel's Quail nest?
What does the Gambel's Quail sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Odontophoridae family