https://digital-desert.com/wildlife/gambels-quail.html
Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii) is a species of New World quail that is native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. They are named after William Gambel, a 19th-century naturalist who documented various species of North American birds.
Here are some key characteristics and information about Gambel’s quail:
- Physical Description: Gambel’s quail are medium-sized birds with a plump, rounded body. They have a distinctive appearance with a prominent topknot or plume on their head, which consists of a black feather with white edges. Males and females look similar, but males are slightly larger and more colorful.
- Range: These quail are primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California, as well as northern Mexico.
- Habitat: They inhabit various desert and semi-desert environments, including shrublands, scrubby areas, and open woodlands. Gambel’s quail is particularly adapted to arid regions and can often be found in areas with brushy cover.
- Behavior: These birds are known for their distinctive “ka-KAA” call, which is often heard in the early morning and late evening. They are generally ground-dwelling birds and spend most of their time foraging for seeds, leaves, and insects on the ground. They are social birds and often gather in family groups or coveys, especially during the non-breeding season.
- Reproduction: Gambel’s quail breed during the spring and early summer. Nests are typically placed on the ground and are well-hidden. The female incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks after hatching. The chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching.
- Conservation: Gambel’s quail populations are generally stable, and they are not considered to be at risk. They have adapted well to human-altered landscapes in some areas and can even be seen in suburban environments.
- Game Birds: Gambel’s quail are often hunted for sport and are considered game birds in the regions where they are found. Hunting seasons and regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of the population.
Gambel’s quail are iconic birds of the American Southwest, and their distinctive appearance and calls make them a popular sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in their native habitat.