California quail (Callipepla californica) and Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii) are two closely related species of quail found in western North America. Though they occupy overlapping ranges and look very similar, there are some key differences between these two birds.
Identification
California quail and Gambel’s quail can be very difficult to distinguish visually. In general:
- California quail males have a black face outlined in white, with a curved black plume on their forehead. Females lack the facial markings and have a shorter, straight plume.
- Gambel’s quail males have a black face outlined in white, with a straight black plume on their forehead. Females lack the facial markings and have a shorter, straight plume.
However, these differences are subtle and variable. The most reliable way to identify these quail is by their calls. California quail make a distinctive “chi-ca-go” sound, while Gambel’s quail make a more high-pitched “ka-kaa-ka” sound.
Range
California quail are found along the Pacific Coast and in the intermountain west from southern British Columbia through the western United States to Baja California. Their range closely matches the distribution of California sagebrush.
Gambel’s quail range through the deserts and arid lands of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They are found from southern Utah and Colorado south through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas to southern Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua.
There is considerable overlap in the ranges of these two quail in California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Baja California.
Habitat
California quail prefer brushy areas with a mix of shrubs, open woodlands, and grasslands. They thrive in habitats dominated by coastal sagebrush and are commonly found along wooded streams and drainage areas.
Gambel’s quail inhabit the drier desert grasslands, chaparral, and sagebrush flats of the southwest. They avoid densely forested areas.
Behavior
Both California and Gambel’s quail live in coveys for most of the year. These groups range from a dozen to several dozen birds. The coveys break up in the spring breeding season as birds form monogamous breeding pairs.
California quail coveys are generally less mobile than Gambel’s quail. California quail tend to stay within a fixed range, while Gambel’s quail will travel longer distances in response to seasonal changes in food and water availability.
Both quail species feed on seeds, leaves, buds, fruits, and insects. Gambel’s quail rely more heavily on seeds from annual plants and agricultural crops than California quail.
Reproduction
California and Gambel’s quail both build scrape nests on the ground concealed by vegetation. Clutch size ranges from 10-16 eggs for California quail and 12-14 eggs for Gambel’s quail.
Incubation lasts 21-23 days. Gambel’s quail chicks are able to fly short distances as early as 12 days old, while California quail chicks take about 4 weeks to fledge.
California quail have a longer breeding season than Gambel’s quail. California quail begin pairing up in late February, while Gambel’s quail start later in March or April after spring rains stimulate vegetation growth.
Conservation Status
Both quail species are hunted for sport and food. However, due to their large ranges and abundant populations, neither California or Gambel’s quail are considered threatened.
Habitat loss poses the biggest long-term threat to these birds. Conversion of sagebrush shrublands to agricultural use has negatively impacted California quail. For Gambel’s quail, overgrazing, drought, and human disturbance have degraded some local habitats.
Key Differences
Trait | California Quail | Gambel’s Quail |
---|---|---|
Call | “Chi-ca-go” | “Ka-kaa-ka” |
Range | Pacific Coast, intermountain west | Southwestern U.S., northwestern Mexico |
Habitat | Coastal sagebrush, woodlands, riparian areas | Deserts, chaparral, sagebrush |
Movement | Less mobile, sedentary | More nomadic, migratory |
Diet | Seeds, leaves, fruits, insects | More dependent on seeds |
Breeding | Earlier, longer season | Later, shorter season |
Conclusion
While very similar in appearance, California and Gambel’s quail can be distinguished by their vocalizations, geographic ranges, habitat preferences, and behavioral patterns. California quail are more sedentary birds of the coastal sagebrush, while Gambel’s quail move around more between drier desert environments. Both quail fill an important niche as prey for many predators across the western United States and Mexico.