The Quail cannot endure long flights. They usually live their entire lives within a 40-acre radius.

The California Quail and Gambel’s Quail are two closely related Quail species that inhabit the semi-arid scrubland of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Their distinct rounded shape, gregarious habits, and unique “topknot” feathers on their heads are instantly recognizable features of these popular game birds. They are medium-sized Quail, measuring about 10.5 inches in length. Adult males have brown crowns and black faces set off with white stripes, and a prominent black cluster of six feathers extending up and forward from the top of the crown. Females are duller in color and have a much smaller topknot.

Quail forage for food on the ground, often scratching at the soil. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and leaves, but they also eat some berries and insects. If startled, these birds explode into short rapid flight, called “flushing”. However, Quail are much more prone to walking and spend most of their time on the ground. The Quail is a highly sociable bird that often gathers in small flocks known as “coveys”.