# Gambel's Quail (*Callipepla gambelii*) Gambel's Quail are small, plump birds with a cute topknot on their heads. They love to run around in the desert and are often seen in groups, making them fun to watch! - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 19 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Gambel's Quail](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Helmwachtel_%28Callipepla_gambelii%29%252C_M%C3%A4nnchen.jpg&width=800) Photo: Henry, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Helmwachtel_%28Callipepla_gambelii%29%252C_M%C3%A4nnchen.jpg) ## Appearance The Gambel's Quail has a distinctive forward-curving black topknot and a black face framed by white. Males boast chestnut flanks and a striking black belly patch, while females are duller with a smaller topknot. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Galliformes - **Family:** Odontophoridae - **Genus:** Callipepla ## Interesting facts - Baby quail can run from predators just hours after hatching! - During droughts, they get all their water from the plants they eat. - Hundreds of quail sometimes gather to roost closely together at night! - Their loud, famous 'chic-CA-go' call helps them locate family members. ## Special abilities - **Speedy Scrambler:** Gambel's Quail can run incredibly fast because their strong legs help them escape predators through dense brush. - **Desert Driller:** Gambel's Quail has tough beaks that help them dig for hidden seeds and roots in dry, sandy soil. - **Covey Camouflage:** Gambel's Quail can blend into the desert plants because their mottled feathers look just like dappled sunlight. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25-28 cm - **Wingspan:** 35-40 cm - **Weight:** 0.15-0.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-7 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 10-12 - **Incubation:** 21-24 days ## Diet & Feeding These desert birds munch on seeds, leaves, and a few tasty insects. - **Age differences:** Young chicks eat more insects for protein; adults eat more plant matter. - **Primary Foods:** Seeds (mesquite, palo verde), Leaves, Berries, Cactus fruits, Ants, Beetles - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Cooper's Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cooper-s-hawk) (*Accipiter cooperii*) — a common aerial predator in their range. - **Eats:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — often preys on quail from the ground. - **Depends on:** [Honey Mesquite](https://www.snappit.app/explore/honey-mesquite) (*Prosopis glandulosa*) — provides seeds and shelter for quail. - **Shelter:** Jumping Cholla (*Cylindropuntia fulgida*) — spiny branches offer protection from predators. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gambel's Quail? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Gambel's Quail? 25-28 cm ### What is Gambel's Quail's wingspan? 35-40 cm ### How much does Gambel's Quail weigh? 0.15-0.2 kg ### How long does Gambel's Quail live? 2-7 years ### How fast can Gambel's Quail move? 60 km/h ### What does Gambel's Quail eat? These desert birds munch on seeds, leaves, and a few tasty insects. ### Where is Gambel's Quail usually found? Desert ## Where to spot - [Mesa Grande](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesa-grande) — Arizona, US · Historic Site - [Mesilla Plaza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesilla-plaza) — New Mexico, US · Park - [Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area) — Nevada, US · Nature Reserve - [Sabino Canyon](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sabino-canyon) — Arizona, US · Natural Landmark - [Alan Bible Visitor Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alan-bible-visitor-center) — Nevada, US · Botanical Garden - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo [View all places to see Gambel's Quail](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gambels-quail) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Gambel's Quail: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gambels-quail)