- Callipepla californica
Description
The average weight of a California Quail is between 150.6 g to 189.5 g (5 - 7 oz.). Males are slightly heavier. An adult California Quail grows to be 25 cm (9.8 in) in length. It has a distinctive black and white pattern on its face and its belly has black and brown feather tips which makes the California Quail look like it has a scaled under part. Its overall color is blue-grey and brown. It has a chestnut colored crown with streaking on its flanks. The California Quail has a black bill and grey legs. Sexes are dimorphic. The males have a black throat and the females have more of a grayish colored throat with black streaks. The Callifornia Quail can be identified with its prominent teardrop-shaped plume or a double plume coming off its forehead. An immature California Quail has a general coloration of mostly greys and browns which gives it a cryptic look.
Identification
Photo taken: California, U.S.A.
