Gambel's Quail

Scientific Name: Callipepla gambelii

Range / Habitat: Year-round in the Sonoran, Mohave, and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern US and Mexico, below about 5,500 feet elevation.

Field Notes: Similar in appearance to the California Quail, though Gambel's has white breast with black belly and ranges do not overlap.

Personal Notes: A surprise find near the Clifton mines at the southern edge of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona.

California Quail

Scientific Name: Callipepla californica

Range / Habitat: Year-round in brushy areas of California and northwestern US. They have been introduced into British Columbia, Hawaii, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Field Notes: Plump, grey-brown ground birds usually found in groups. White scales underneath. Males with a white frame to the head, black chin, and the somewhat silly head plume. Females overall duller and without facial markings. Gambel's Quail similar, but ranges do not overlap.

Personal Notes: Always a welcome sight on our travels.