California Quail look-alikes
Callipepla californica
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the California Quail. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Gambel's Quail
Callipepla gambelii
Key differences
Gambel's Quail has a black patch on its belly (absent in California Quail) and a chestnut cap (California Quail has a dark brown cap). The white facial stripe of the male Gambel's Quail is less extensive, and its flanks are streaked with white on a chestnut background, rather than chestnut on a white background as in California Quail.
Scaled Quail
Callipepla squamata
Key differences
Scaled Quail has a white, cottony crest (not a black plume) and a distinctive 'scaled' appearance on its breast and back. Its overall coloration is grayer than the California Quail.
Mountain Quail
Oreortyx pictus
Key differences
Mountain Quail are larger, have a long, straight, brown head plume, and a distinctive chestnut throat bordered by white. They also have bold white and chestnut barring on their flanks.
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