CALIFORNIA QUAIL

One of my favorite sounds when hiking along a trail is "Chi-Ca-Go! Chi-Ca-Go!"  This is the call of the California Quail warning others that danger may be approaching.  It is also a call one quail may use to let others in the group know that it has been separated and is lost. (Great tip for any hiker!)

This hearty and very adaptable bird became the official bird of California in 1931.  Despite its short legs, this little bird can run fast and prefers to travel from place to place by walking.

This week's newsletter with look at the many characteristics that make this bird a great choice to be the California state bird.  

The picture above was taken of a sign spotted along Lynn Rd. in Newbury Park.  Quail love places that have brush and tall grass to hide.  That describes most of the open space in the Conejo Valley.  Quail usually take advantage of the lovely weather of the early mornings and late afternoons to step into a clearing like a trail to feed.  In the heat of the middle of the day, they usually stay hidden in the shade under a bush.  The times I have seen the most quail are in the later afternoons along a clear trail.  

Three great trails to spot quail in the afternoons are:
1. Tarantula Hill
2. The Whole Access Trail
3. Rancho Portreo Trail

Quail are sometimes spotted in backyards and parks as well. The key to spotting quail is to stay quiet and listen for the "Chi-Ca-Go" call. 

In the spring time, quail begin to pair off and find mates.  Quail do mate for life and will take turns in caring for their hatchlings.  The quail mamas are usually responsible for creating nests on the ground.  Quail nests are usually shallow holes in the ground that are surrounded by grass and weed stems.

Mama quail lay about three eggs every 4 days begining late Arpil or early May.  They will sometimes do what is called an "egg-dump".  That is when a mama quail lays her eggs in another mama's nest.  Quail are very communial creatures and will take care of eggs or hatchlings that may not be orginally theirs. 

Quail are born quite hearty with eyes open and a lot of down feathers.  After only two days, they can be spotted out of the nest, foraging for food with thier parents.  Their new feathers do not keep them very warm, so for at least two weeks, they depend on the snuggles of a parent to protect them from the cold. 

Quail usually stay in groups called coveys.  These groupings average 20-25 birds.  One male usually acts as the leader keeping a watch over the covey as other forage for food. When danger is near, the male will make a call and warn the others.