What does the California Quail eat?

The California Quail's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Herbivore (primarily seeds, leaves, berries, and some insects)

How it forages

Primarily ground foragers, scratching and pecking for seeds, leaves, flowers, and berries. They will also consume insects, especially during the breeding season when protein is needed for chick development. They often feed in open areas but stay close to cover for quick escape.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon, often resting in shaded cover during the hottest parts of the day.

Explore the California Quail