The female Gambel’s quail lack the distinctive facial features of the male and have a smaller, less prominent plume. Gambel’s quail Discovered and named by naturalist William Gambel in 1841, Gambel’s quail are identified by a reddish-brown collection of feathers that make up their topknot. This is the land of extremes where daytime temperatures in the summer can exceed 110 degrees fahrenheit (43 celsius) and winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. It has a small round body, short square tail, short legs, … There are two species of quail that occur in these areas: the Gambel's quail, which is named after a 19th century explorer of the southwestern U.S (William Gambel), and the California quail, which is the state bird of California. Description and Life History of the Gambel’s Quail. The California quail and Gambel’s quail can look very similar, though the Gambel’s quail has more reddish coloration on its cap and flanks, and a much larger, black patch on its lower abdomen. California Quail vs. Gambel’s Quail . They are not known for their extraordinary intelligence. California quail have scaly markings whereas Gambel’s quail are plainer. The most well known of the "desert quail", Gambel's are quickly identified by the topknot found atop the head of both males and females.Located in dry regions of the southwestern United States, Gambel's quail thrive in the dry-arid regions that contain an abundance of desert shrubs. It feeds on plant shoots, seeds, fruits and occasionally insects. The Gambel’s quail or the desert quail is a small bird belonging to the family Odontophoridae, a family consisting of New World quails. Gambel's Quail: This medium-sized quail has gray upperparts and breast, scaled gray nape, black belly patch, head and plume, white-bordered black face, cinnamon-brown crown, buff underparts, and flanks streaked chestnut-brown and white. The nest is a shallow depression in the soil and lined with leaves and other vegetation. In hot dry deserts, coveys of this quail are common, even entering suburban areas in search of water and food. Similar to other Texas quail, Gambel’s prefer to run and hide when flushed, rather than fly. Both species have a head plume (larger in males) curling forward. They are plump, short-tailed quail with gray plumage. The females have a gray head and face and lack the black belly patch. During the hottest part of mid day they frequently rest in the shade or perch in a low bush. They are chicken-like, ground-dwelling birds that forage on seeds, fruit, plant material and insects. Quail Information. Gambel's quail can be commonly confused with California Quail due to similar plumage. The Gambel’s quail is similar to other quail species in body shape and size. Diet includes seeds and fruits. Other articles where Gambel’s quail is discussed: quail: …Gambel’s, or desert, quail (Lophortyx gambelii). The Facts Gambel’s Quail, Callipepla gambelii, are members of the family Odontophoridae, along with all other quail and Bobwhites. They can usually be distinguished by range, but when this does not suffice, California quail have a more scaly appearance and the black patch on the lower breast of the male Gambel's Quail is absent in the California Quail. These quails are quite similar to Old World quails but only distantly related to them. Gambel’s quail are well adapted to living in the harsh Mojave Desert climate that is found in southern Nevada. Being slightly larger than Northern Bobwhites, Gambel’s quail are just under a foot long with an average wingspan of 15 inches. Quail are a popular Southwestern North American game bird. It alternates several stiff wing beats with short glides. Below are some interesting facts about the Gambel’s quail and where you can find them. 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