What is a Gambel's Quail?

A Gambel’s quail, or Callipepla gambelii, is a small, land-dwelling bird native to the United States. When fully grown, these birds are about 10.0-11.5 inches (25-29 cm) in length, weigh about 5.6-7.1 ounces (160-200 g) and have a wingspan of approximately 14-16 inches (35-40 cm). Males and females of the species differ in appearance. Both sexes are mostly gray in plumage, but the males have black faces with white stripes and a copper-red topknot. Interestingly, the colors of the birds are more vivid and darker in areas that have more rainfall.

Geographically, the Gambel’s quail lives almost exclusively in the desert areas of the southwestern United States at elevations below 5,500 feet (1,676 m). This species of quail is mainly found in Arizona, but it is also seen as far west as California and as far east as Texas. Some also live in the southern parts of Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Although the Gambel's quail is a desert bird, a few of them were introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s, and some might still be seen there.

For habitat, the Gambel’s quail prefers hot deserts that have an abundance of thorny, brushy vegetation. Dense vegetation is preferred because it provides shade and conceals the birds from predators. In addition, they use the vegetation to roost in at night, which is a behavior not usually associated with desert quail. The Gambel’s quail especially likes to be near mesquite springs, in the mountain foothills of deserts and on plains that have a variety of vegetation. This species of quail does not migrate, and scientists estimate that its yearly movements total about 1.2 miles (about 2 km).

The diet of the Gambel’s quail is made up mostly of the seeds and leaves of plants. Occasionally, depending on the time of the year, berries and fruits from cactus might be eaten. When nesting is taking place, a few insects might also be eaten. These birds are ground feeders and rarely fly except when frightened.

Breeding season is in the spring. Gambel’s quail are monogamous and, after they pair off, they can be aggressive toward other mating pairs. Males offer females bits of food to attract them. Researchers have found that females base their selection of a mate on these food offerings.

Female Gambel’s quail choose where the nest will be built and construct it from plant materials and feathers. About 10-15 eggs are laid, with incubation taking 21-24 days. All of the eggs hatch on the same day, and the chicks are able to leave the nest within hours.

The Gambel's Quail is a small ground-dwelling bird native to the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Recognizable by its topknot of feathers, it inhabits arid environments, often spotted in brushy areas and near water sources. These birds are well-adapted to their habitat, blending into the desert landscape with their camouflaged plumage.

Gambel's Quail primarily feed on a variety of plant materials, including seeds, leaves, and sometimes fruits. During the spring and summer, they may also consume insects, which provide additional protein necessary for growth and reproduction. Their diet shifts seasonally, depending on the availability of food resources in their desert habitats.

Gambel's Quail are monogamous and typically breed once a year, with peak nesting occurring in spring. The female lays a clutch of 10-15 eggs in a shallow depression lined with vegetation. After about three weeks of incubation, the chicks hatch and are precocial, meaning they are well-developed and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching to forage with their parents.

Gambel's Quail are easily identified by their distinctive forward-curling plume or topknot on their heads. Males have a rich gray breast, a black face with a white outline, and brown, black, and white patterning on their bodies. Females are more subdued in color, with a grayish-brown overall appearance and a smaller, less distinct topknot.

Currently, Gambel's Quail are not considered to be at significant risk, and they are classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development and climate change could pose future threats. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and management to ensure stable populations.

Gambel's Quail have several adaptations for desert living. They are ground foragers that can survive on limited water, obtaining moisture from their food. Their cryptic plumage provides camouflage against predators and the desert landscape. Additionally, they are able to withstand high temperatures and are most active during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late afternoon.