California Valley Quail

State bird of California. Lives from dry southern scrub through grasslands and orchards into the wet Pacific Northwest. Sociable coveys feed on seeds, leaves, insects, and berries.

Often confused with Gambel’s at first glance. Valley males are a bit smaller, with a six-feather forward-curving plume (black on males, brown on hens) and a scaly belly pattern Gambel’s lack.

Breeding April–June. Clutch 12–14. Incubation 22–23 days at 99.5°F and 60–65% humidity. Stop turning on day 20 and raise humidity to 80–85%. Nest is a scrape under cover. Both parents tend the young.