Also known as: California valley quail, Valley quail
The California quail, also known as the California valley quail or Valley quail, is a small ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. These birds have a curving crest, plume or topknot made of six feathers, that droops forward: black in males and brown in females; the flanks are brown with white streaks. Males have a dark brown cap and a black face with a brown back, a grey-blue chest and a light brown belly. Females and immature birds are mainly grey-brown with a light-colored belly.
Their closest relative is Gambel's quail, which has a more southerly distribution and a longer crest at 2.5 in (6.4 cm), a brighter head and lacks the scaly appearance of the California quail. The two species separated about 1–2 million years ago, during the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene. It was selected as the state bird of California in 1931.
Hunting Season
Zone Q1: Sep 12 - Oct 16 (mountain quail only); Oct 17 - Jan 31 (all quail). Zone Q2: Sep 26 - Jan 31. Zone Q3: Oct 17 - Jan 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting California Quail in California
California quail is the state bird and a popular upland game species. Quail hunting in California is managed through three zones (Q1, Q2, Q3). Daily bag limit is 10 quail of all species combined. Upland game bird validation is required. Archery only: Aug 15 - Sep 4. Falconry: Aug 15 - Feb 28. Nonlead ammunition is required. California quail are found throughout the state in chaparral, woodland, and agricultural edge habitats.
What is the most common quail species in California?
The California quail (Callipepla californica) is the most common and widespread quail species in California. It is also the state bird. They are found in chaparral, woodland, and agricultural edge habitats throughout most of the state.
When is California Quail hunting season in California?
Zone Q1: Sep 12 - Oct 16 (mountain quail only); Oct 17 - Jan 31 (all quail). Zone Q2: Sep 26 - Jan 31. Zone Q3: Oct 17 - Jan 31.
What is the bag limit for California Quail in California?
10 quail per day (all species combined).
What is another name for California Quail?
California Quail is also known as California valley quail, Valley quail in California.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Zone Q1: Sep 12 - Oct 16 (mountain quail only); Oct 17 - Jan 31 (all quail). Zone Q2: Sep 26 - Jan 31. Zone Q3: Oct 17 - | Link |
| California | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | California quail is the state bird and a popular upland game species. Quail hunting in California is managed through thr | Link |
