Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernOmnivoreShrublandScrapeMedium · 184 g

ID tip

This bird is named for the scaly appearance of its breast and back feathers. Along with its scaly markings, the bird is easily identified by its white crest that resembles a tuft of cotton. It typically measures 25.4–30.5 cm (10.0–12.0 in) in length, 38 cm (15 in) in wingspan, and weighs 177–191 g (6.2–6.7 oz).

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Scaled Quail

One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 11 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Scaled Quail

Regular range

The map shades 2 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

About the Scaled Quail

The scaled quail, also commonly called blue quail or cottontop, is a species of the New World quail family. It is a bluish gray bird found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States to Central Mexico. This species is an early offshoot of the genus Callipepla, diverging in the Pliocene.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: California Quail vs Scaled Quail · Gambel's Quail vs Scaled Quail · Mountain Quail vs Scaled Quail · Elegant Quail vs Scaled Quail

Learn the Scaled Quail in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.