Elegant Quail

The elegant quail, known scientifically as Callipepla douglasii, is a charming bird that graces the Pacific-slope thorn forests of north-western Mexico. This species, with a body length of approximately 25 cm (10 inches), exhibits sexual dimorphism in its plumage. The male is adorned with a striking, long, straight, golden-buff crest, while the female's crest is a more subdued grey. Both sexes share a similar coloration of grey with intricate patterns of black, brown, and white spotting and streaking. The male also features reddish-brown hues. Their beaks are a deep black, eyes are brown, and legs range from dark grey to black.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the elegant quail from its relatives, one should note the male's unique crest color and the paler spotting on the flanks, setting it apart from the scaled quail, California quail, and Gambel's quail.

Habitat

The elegant quail is a ground-dweller that prefers the thorny scrub and deciduous forests of Mexico. It thrives at altitudes up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) and is often found in open areas and cultivated fields.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Mexico, with its range spanning from Sonora and southwestern Chihuahua to northern Jalisco along the Pacific slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental.

Behaviour

Elegant quails are primarily terrestrial and exhibit a tendency to freeze or scurry through underbrush when alarmed. They are reluctant fliers, preferring to remain on the ground where they are adept at navigating the dense vegetation.

Song & Calls

The elegant quail communicates with a "chip-chip" call for maintaining contact within the covey during daytime foraging. At dusk and dawn, they use a "cu-cow" call to assemble at the roost and to initiate the day's foraging activities.

Conservation status

The elegant quail is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. It occupies a wide range of about 118,000 km² (45,560 sq mi) and is considered a common species. Its population is believed to be stable or increasing, as habitat degradation leads to the creation of open areas which this bird favors.