Mountain Quail vs California Quail

In short

Mountain Quail and California Quail can be distinguished by their size and head plumes. Mountain Quail are larger with long, straight head plumes, while California Quail are smaller with a forward-curving plume. Habitat preferences also differ, with Mountain Quail favoring dense, mountainous areas and California Quail adapting to a variety of open habitats.

Identification tips

• Head Plumes: Mountain Quail have long, straight plumes; California Quail have shorter, forward-curving plumes.
• Size: Mountain Quail are larger.
• Habitat: Look for Mountain Quail in dense, mountainous areas; California Quail in open habitats.
• Plumage: Note the white flank bars on Mountain Quail and the scaled belly of California Quail.
• Social Behavior: California Quail are often in larger groups.

Size

Mountain Quail are the largest quail in North America, noticeably larger than California Quail.

Plumage

Mountain Quail have a more uniform gray and brown plumage with distinctive white bars on their flanks. California Quail have a scaled pattern on their belly and a more varied plumage with a black face and white forehead.

Behaviour

Mountain Quail are more secretive and often solitary or in small groups, while California Quail are more social, often seen in larger coveys.

Habitat

Mountain Quail prefer dense, mountainous habitats and are often found at higher elevations. California Quail are adaptable to a range of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and suburban areas.

Voice

California Quail have a distinctive 'chi-ca-go' call, while Mountain Quail calls are less well-documented but generally quieter and less frequent.