April Bird of the Month: California Quail

This month’s bird for the month is the California Quail (Callipepla californica). California Quail are birds which primarily live on the ground foraging for food and building hidden nests. They can fly, however like chickens they only fly for short distances usually to escape from predators.

Quail live in small flocks from three to a dozen birds. Around this time, you may see a line of quail chicks following their parents. Quail are known for the male’s loud call, which some say sounds like the word “Chicago, Chicago!” As their name suggests, they are the State bird of California. They are often seen in parks, such as Rancho San Rafael and Oxbow Nature Center.

To learn more about California Quail, visit Audubon's Field Guide here: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/california-quail