Elegant Quail
NameElegant Quail
Common NameElegant Quail
Scientific NameCallipepla douglasii
FamilyOdontophoridae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)170
Plumage DetailsMales have a gray head, neck, and breast, with a prominent reddish-orange, forward-curving crest. Their flanks and belly are gray with distinct white spots. The back and wings are mottled brown with chestnut markings. Females are duller overall, with a smaller, less vibrant crest and less distinct spotting.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, often repeated 'chi-ca-go' or 'chi-ca-go-go' call. They also produce various clucking and alarm calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to northwestern Mexico, primarily found in the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua.
Identifying FeaturesReddish-orange, forward-curving crest (more prominent in males), Gray body with white spots on flanks and belly (males), Mottled brown back and wings, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Elegant Quail is a medium-sized New World quail known for its distinctive reddish-orange, forward-curving crest. Males display a gray head and chest with fine white spotting on the belly, while females are duller in coloration. These ground-dwelling birds are typically found in arid and semi-arid scrublands.
