New World quail (Odontophoridae)
California Quail
Callipepla californica. Seeds and leaves.
New World quail (Odontophoridae)California QuailCallipepla californica
- Scientific name
- Callipepla californica
- Length
- 9.4–10.6 in
- Weight
- 4.9–6.2 oz
- Nest
- Shallow ground scrape
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 12–16 eggs
- Incubation
- 22–23 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Comma-shaped black topknot
- Scaled belly
- Male black face outlined in white
Voice
'Chi-ca-go' rallying call.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and leaves.
What do California quail eat? · Best feeder for California quail
California Quail by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–July |
| California | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–July |
Frequently asked
What do California quail eat?
Seeds and leaves. At feeders: millet, cracked corn.
How big is a California Quail?
9.4–10.6 in long and 4.9–6.2 oz.
Do California quail use birdhouses?
No. Shallow ground scrape.
Sources
- California Quail — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- California Quail life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- California Quail — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.