California Quail

California Quail key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

6-8 years

Size

24-27cm (wingspan 32-37cm; 140-230g)

Diet

Quail crumbles, seeds of herbaceous plants, greens, berries and insects

Cage

The birds forage on the ground and nest under shrubs, so favour floor area and cover. A dust bath of dry sand is essential. The nest is a shallow scrape lined with vegetation beneath a shrub.

Temperament

Highly sociable, the birds move in small coveys. When startled they flush in short rapid flight, but given the choice they escape on foot. They adapt well to the edges of settlement.

Vocalization

They use a social call that sounds like chicago, contact pips and warning pips. In the breeding season males give an agonistic squill and often interrupt their mate's chicago call with it.

Notes

The species has established itself wherever it has been introduced, so keep the birds secure against escape. Hens lay large clutches of 12 to 16 eggs, so allow generous rearing space if breeding.

About California Quail

California Quail are ground-dwelling New World quail known for their curved topknot plume. California's state bird, males show a black-and-white face while females are plainer brown; a compact species suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a California Quail

1. 1A Ground-Dwelling Bird

   California Quail prefer moving around on the ground rather than perching in trees. Give them plenty of open floor space along with bushes or cover to hide in, rather than focusing on climbing branches.

2. 2A Social, Flock Bird

   In the wild, California Quail live in flocks and are highly social. Keeping more than one bird together tends to help them feel settled, rather than housing a single bird alone.

3. 3Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   California Quail are considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers. Some prior experience with bird care makes it easier to manage daily routines and notice changes in condition.

4. 4Males and Females Look Different

   Males have a bold black face outlined in white and a longer plume, while females are a plainer brown without the white facial markings. This makes it fairly easy to tell the sexes apart.

5. 5Watch Temperature and Humidity

   Protect them from sudden temperature swings, and take seasonal precautions against cold or heat if housed outdoors. Since they spend most of their time near the ground, check bedding conditions regularly.

6. 6Bedding and Cleanliness

   These birds walk and dust-bathe on the ground, so keeping bedding clean and changing it regularly supports good health. Avoid damp conditions in their enclosure.

7. 7Prepare the Space in Advance

   Before bringing one home, set up a spacious enclosure with hiding spots and a dust-bathing area. Preparing the environment ahead of time helps reduce stress during the transition.

Frequently asked questions about California Quail

Q.Do California Quail become tame?

A.This varies by individual, but birds raised around people from a young age often become comfortable with human presence. However, they typically don't become as hands-on tame as some companion bird species.

Q.Are they noisy?

A.As ground-dwelling birds, they use calls to communicate with flock mates. If you're considering keeping them in an apartment building, it's worth checking what their calls sound like beforehand.

Q.Should I choose a male or a female?

A.Males show more striking markings, while females have a plainer, calmer appearance—the choice often comes down to preference. If keeping a group, it's also worth considering a balanced mix of sexes.

Q.Can they be housed with other birds?

A.Since they're ground-dwelling by nature, compatibility with other species should be checked individually based on lifestyle and habits. Judge carefully based on available space and how the birds get along.

Q.Is it better to keep them outdoors or indoors?

A.Given their active, ground-dwelling nature, an outdoor enclosure can be a good option if enough space is available. If kept indoors, prioritize floor space to move around and spots to hide.

Useful tools for California Quail care

Learn more about California Quail in the encyclopedia

More in this category