California Quail - portrait (Callipepla californica)

The California Quail is closely related to Gambel's Quail. Sibley points out that the neck of the California Quail is "strongly scaled". This closer view shows what is meant by "scaling", as in the overlapping pattern that we see in fish scales or shingles. Here we get a better view of the handsome topknot. Note the brown crown and light forehead. Gambel's crown said to be more rufous, and forehead virtually black