Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii) is a small, ground-dwelling bird native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its distinctive topknot plume, which curves forward from the top of its head, the Gambel’s Quail is easily recognizable. The males typically have a black face, chestnut cap, and a white-bordered black throat, while females and juveniles display more subdued colors for camouflage.

These quails prefer habitats such as desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and riparian areas where they can find cover and forage. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, leaves, and fruits, but they will also consume insects when available. Gambel’s Quail are social birds, often seen in coveys, especially outside the breeding season. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including a distinctive “chi-ca-go” call.

 

Breeding season for Gambel’s Quail generally occurs in spring, triggered by increasing day length and temperature. The female lays a clutch of 10-12 eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, often hidden under vegetation. Both parents play a role in caring for the chicks, which are precocial and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. Despite their ground-dwelling nature, Gambel’s Quail are capable of short bursts of flight to escape predators or to move between feeding grounds.