New World quail (Odontophoridae)
Gambel's Quail
Callipepla gambelii. Seeds and plant shoots.
New World quail (Odontophoridae)Gambel's QuailCallipepla gambelii
- Scientific name
- Callipepla gambelii
- Length
- 9.8 in
- Weight
- 5.6–6.3 oz
- Nest
- Scrape on the ground under shrubs
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 10–12 eggs
- Incubation
- 21–24 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Forward-drooping black topknot
- Chestnut crown and flanks
- Male black face and belly patch
Voice
Loud 'chi-CA-go-go'.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and plant shoots.
What do Gambel's quail eat? · Best feeder for Gambel's quail
Gambel's Quail by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–July |
| California | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–July |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–July |
Frequently asked
What do Gambel's quail eat?
Seeds and plant shoots. At feeders: millet, cracked corn.
How big is a Gambel's Quail?
9.8 in long and 5.6–6.3 oz.
Do Gambel's quail use birdhouses?
No. Scrape on the ground under shrubs.
Sources
- Gambel's Quail — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gambel's Quail life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gambel's 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.