The California Quail is the state bird of California, recognized by the teardrop-shaped plume of scale-like feathers that curves forward from its crown. Family groups called 'coveys' often include a sentinel bird that calls alarm at the first sign of danger while the others feed. Chicks leave the nest within hours of hatching and can run within days.
Best time to see a California Quail
The best time to see a California Quail is March–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 37,203 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Quail? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Quail sightings near you
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