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.