Eunoia
UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES A WHOLE AWFUL LOT, NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER IT'S NOT - Dr. Seuss
Quail
The California Quail is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, primarily found in southern regions including the Okanagan, lower Fraser Valley, and southern Vancouver Island. They were introduced for sport hunting and have established self-sustaining populations in suitable habitats, particularly dry shrublands, grasslands, and agricultural edges.
Yellow Listed
Human Health Hazard
Conservation Status
Syilx
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Description
Adults are small, plump birds, measuring 23–28 cm in length with a wingspan of 30–35 cm, and weighing 150–220 g. They have grayish-brown bodies, scaled pattern on the chest, a distinctive forward-curving black plume on the head, and white facial markings. Males have more vivid coloration and a darker plume, while females are duller with a smaller plume.
Habitat
California Quail inhabit open forests, shrublands, grasslands, orchards, vineyards, and agricultural field edges. They require dense cover for nesting and roosting, often using brush piles, shrubs, or hedgerows to avoid predators.
Food
They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, berries, buds, and occasional insects. They forage primarily on the ground, scratching leaf litter to uncover seeds and small invertebrates.
Social System, Activity & Movements
California Quail are highly social, forming coveys of 10–30 birds, particularly in fall and winter. Coveys provide protection from predators, coordinated foraging, and social interaction. Pair bonds form during the breeding season, but family groups remain cohesive until young are independent.
Reproduction & Parental Care
Breeding occurs spring through early summer. Females lay 10–16 eggs per clutch in a shallow ground nest hidden in dense vegetation. Incubation lasts about 21–23 days, with the female solely responsible for incubation, while both parents lead the precocial chicks to forage shortly after hatching.
Natural Mortality & Predators
Predators include raptors, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and domestic cats. Hunting is also a significant source of mortality. Juveniles are particularly vulnerable during their first weeks, while adults rely on covey structure and camouflage for protection.
Credit
ChatGPT