Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail, adult male

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Gambel's Quail, female

Gambel's Quail, male, molting topknot

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Other Names
4. Cool Facts
5. Full detailed species account

A common bird of the Sonoran Desert, the Gambel's Quail frequents suburbs as well as desert. Its forward-curling topknot makes it easy to identify.

Description

• Medium-sized quail.
• Forward-facing plume on top of head (topknot).
• Belly unmarked or with black patch.
• Sides chestnut.

• Size: 25 cm (10 in)
• Wingspan: 34-36 cm (13-14 in)
• Weight: 160-200 g (5.65-7.06 ounces)

Sex Differences

Male more boldly patterned, with black face, black belly patch, and larger topknot.

Sound

Call a loud, nasal "ka-KAA-ka."

Other Names

Colin Gambel (French)
Cordorniz de Gambel (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Although the Gambel's Quail is adapted to living in a dry, desert environment, it reproduces best in years with adequate rainfall.

Sources used to construct this page:

Brown, D. E., J. C. Hagelin, M. Taylor, and J. Galloway. 1998. Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii). In The Birds of North America, No. 321 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.