California Quail

California · ground birds · quail

Fancy head feather. The California quail has a curved black feather that sticks up from its head like a special crown, and only the males have this showy plume.

Desert and scrub lover. These birds live in the western United States, hanging out in dry grasslands, shrubs, and scrubland where they can find seeds and berries to eat.

Super social birds. California quail love living together in groups called coveys, sometimes with more than a dozen birds sticking close as they search for food and stay safe.

Runners not flyers. Instead of flying everywhere, these ground-dwelling quail like to run and scurry on their strong legs, though they can fly when they really need to.

State symbol of California. In 1931, California made the quail its official state bird because so many Californians loved seeing these little birds in their backyards and wild spaces.