Gambel’s Quail

Common Name:
Gambel's Quail
Scientific Name:
Callipepla gambelii
Type:
Birds
Size:
Length: 10 inches
IUCN Red List Status:
Least concern
Current Population Trend:
Stable

Although a common quail of the desert Southwest, the Gambel’s requires a lot of water. Generally sedentary, it moves short distances in the late summer to form coveys, usually comprising several family groups. It hybridizes with both California and scaled quails where their ranges overlap. Polytypic (2 ssp.; nominate in North America). Length 10".

Identification

Plump, short-tailed quail with gray plumage; prominent teardrop-shaped head plume or double plume in both sexes. Adult male: chestnut crown with black forehead and black throat; chestnut sides with whitish underparts with a black belly; gray upperparts. Adult female: similar to adult male but muted and lacking distinctive facial pattern. Head plume smaller. Juvenile: grayish brown overall and heavily mottled. Usually has a short head plume.

Similar Species

The California is similar in structure and size, but the chestnut crown and sides and lack of scaling on the Gambel’s easily separate them.

Voice

Call: a plaintive qua-el; and a loud chi-ca-go-go similar to the California’s, but higher pitched and usually 4 notes, sometimes shortened on only 1 or 2 syllables. Also a variety of clucking and chattering calls.

Status and Distribution

Common year-round in desert shrublands and thickets, usually near permanent water sources. Introduced to Hawaii, Idaho, and San Clemente Island, California.

Population

The numbers appear to be stable over the past 60 years. The Gambel’s seems to be more tolerant of habitat disturbances than other Callipepla.

—From the National Geographic book Complete Birds of North America, 2006

Read This Next

For Antarctica’s emperor penguins, ‘there is no time left’
See what a year looks like in the fastest-warming place on Earth
This bird survived Maui’s fires—but it could soon vanish

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet