Gambel’s quail

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) is a species of quail found primarily in the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is closely related to and resembles the California quail.1

Quail are small, short-tailed game birds belonging to the families Phasianidae and Odontophoridae. They prefer open country and brushy areas, feeding on seeds, berries, leaves, roots, and insects. Both male and female quail lay eggs, and the young stay with their parents during the summer. The flesh and eggs of quail are considered a delicacy. New World quail, like Gambel's quail, have stronger bills than their Old World counterparts and lack leg spurs. Gambel's quail, along with the California quail, are notable New World quail species in North America, both featuring a distinctive forward-curling head plume, which is more prominent in males.2