California Quail

More bird photos captured in Baja, this time of California Quail (Callipepla californica).Photo credit goes to my kids.

​These birds are instantly recognizable by that distinctive, forward-curving comma shaped "topknot" or plume on their heads. The "topknot" isn't actually just one feather—it’s a cluster of six interlocking feathers!

These ground dwelling birds are capable of fast, "explosive" flight (used primarily to escape predators), but they prefer to run and can reach speeds of 12 mph/ 20 kph.

They are the state bird of California and are native to the West Coast (from British Columbia down to Baja California), though they have been introduced to places like Hawaii, New Zealand, and Chile.

They are primarily seedeaters but also eat leaves, berries, and occasional insects like beetles and caterpillars. Because they live in dry environments, California Quail can often survive without drinking water for long periods, instead getting their moisture from succulent plants and insects. They are very social birds; you’ll often see them in ""coveys" (groups) scurrying across the ground They can frequently be seen gathering in soft, dry soil to "bathe" together, flapping their wings to coat their feathers in dust to discourage parasites.

The California Quail has a rhythmic three-syllable call, which sounds remarkably like it’s saying "Chi-ca-go!" it was particularly fun for my Chicago kids to hear them.

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