Part of My Bird Series...Callipepla californica New Scientific Name or (Lophortyx californica which is the old Scientific name) aka California/Valley Quail. Identification Tips: Length: 8 inches Small, chunky, short-tailed, round-winged ground-dwelling bird. Immature are similar to female. Adult male: Black, forward-tilting, teardrop-shaped crest Pale buff forehead Dark brown cap Black face White border to face Blackish nape stippled with white spotting Dark blue-gray chest Brown back and upperwings Buff belly with darker scaly markings and chestnut center Brown flanks with white streaks. Quail are related to the Bobwhite and are generally ground dwellers, they usually are not found in trees nor do they roost in trees. They nest on the ground and more typically run than fly unless spooked or they need to get away faster than they can run.
11 Comments
shenur masters 22 Jul 2012
beautiful capture!Karen Corcoran 13 May 2005
Super picture Gary~Reba McDonald 12 May 2005
A great shot Gary.lerat andree 12 May 2005
What a nice shot. Clear, crisp and beautifully exposed.Loredana 12 May 2005
BEAUTIFUL GARY THE BIRD IS GORGEOUS AND LOOKS WONDERFUL AGAINST THE BLUE SKY GREAT SHOTAnonymous Guest 12 May 2005
Well thats an interesting capture, I sure don't see these kind of birds in my neighborhood, cool :)joan warburton 12 May 2005
LOL, Awesome capture! This is a real beauty!Pat Abbott 12 May 2005
A great capture, Gary. The light blue sky makes for a flattering background.stan jones 12 May 2005
Hi Gary you manage to capture the most strangest looking birds oh hum the feathered types what an amazing looking one at that well done not only that you even asked it to look at the cameraRyan Taylor 12 May 2005
hah looks like that bird is gonna break those branches. nice photo.Christine brand 12 May 2005
love at first sight! I believe! never ever saw one of these! so cute that feather tuff on top! excellent phto. where did u catch this one? Great! I am jealous. Wah!