What Is the State Bird of California? Answer and Facts

The state bird of California is the California quail (Callipepla californica), a small, ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive topknot and lively social behavior. Officially designated as the state bird in 1931, the California quail holds both cultural significance and ecological relevance throughout the Golden State. This article explores the history, biology, symbolism, and practical tips for observing the California quail in its natural habitat—offering a comprehensive look at what is state bird of California and why it continues to capture public interest.

History and Designation of the California Quail

The journey to becoming California’s official state bird began in the early 20th century, during a broader movement across the United States to adopt state symbols that reflected regional identity. In 1931, following advocacy from schoolchildren, educators, and ornithological societies, the California Legislature officially named the California quail as the state bird through Assembly Bill 581.

Prior to this designation, several birds were considered, including the mockingbird and the golden eagle. However, the California quail stood out due to its native presence, unique appearance, and deep-rooted connection to California’s landscapes. The decision was also influenced by the bird’s frequent appearances in local art, literature, and Native American traditions.

Unlike many state symbols chosen purely for aesthetic reasons, the California quail was selected with input from scientific communities, ensuring biological accuracy and ecological legitimacy. Its official adoption reflects a balance between cultural pride and environmental awareness—an approach increasingly valued in modern symbol selection.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

The California quail is easily recognizable by its forward-curving black plume, often referred to as a “topknot,” which consists of six overlapping feathers. Males display striking plumage: a bluish-gray chest, a brown body, a black face bordered by bold white stripes, and a scaled pattern on the belly. Females are more subdued, with gray-brown coloring and a shorter, less prominent crest, aiding in camouflage while nesting.

Measuring about 9 to 11 inches in length and weighing approximately 6 to 7 ounces, the California quail is a compact bird adapted for life on the ground. It has strong legs built for scratching the soil in search of seeds, insects, and plant matter. While capable of flight, it prefers running and only takes short, explosive flights when threatened—a behavior known as “flushing.”

Socially, these birds live in groups called coveys, typically consisting of 10 to 20 individuals outside of breeding season. During spring and summer, coveys break up into mating pairs. Their vocalizations are among the most distinctive in North American avifauna—their call, often described as "chi-ca-go" or "quarter-main," serves to regroup scattered members and establish territory.

Habitat and Geographic Range

The California quail thrives in brushy foothills, chaparral, oak woodlands, and suburban edges—habitats abundant throughout much of California. It is particularly common in coastal regions, central valleys, and lower mountain slopes. While native to the western United States—from Oregon to Baja California—it has been successfully introduced to countries like New Zealand, Chile, and Hawaii due to its adaptability.

This species favors areas with dense shrub cover for protection and open spaces for foraging. It is frequently seen near trails, parks, golf courses, and residential gardens, especially where native plants such as sagebrush, manzanita, and toyon are present. Urbanization has not significantly deterred the quail; instead, it has demonstrated remarkable flexibility in coexisting with human development—provided sufficient cover and food sources remain.

However, habitat fragmentation and invasive predators (such as domestic cats and rats) pose ongoing threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving connected corridors of native vegetation and promoting wildlife-friendly landscaping practices.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the California quail carries rich symbolic meaning. For indigenous peoples of California, including the Ohlone and Miwok tribes, the quail appeared in creation stories and served as a spirit guide representing community, vigilance, and resourcefulness. Some tribal narratives describe the quail bringing fire to humans or teaching cooperation through group living.

In contemporary culture, the bird appears on historical markers, university emblems (including Stanford University's former mascot), and regional logos. Its image graces everything from wine labels to outdoor recreation gear, symbolizing a connection to nature and Californian heritage.

The quail’s designation as the state bird also underscores California’s commitment to biodiversity. Unlike states that chose majestic raptors or songbirds, California embraced a modest, ground-dwelling species—highlighting the value of all wildlife, not just the most visually impressive.

How to Observe the California Quail: Tips for Birdwatchers

For amateur and experienced birders alike, spotting the California quail can be a rewarding experience. Here are practical tips for successful observation:

• Visit at dawn or dusk: Quail are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours when they emerge to feed.
• Look in transitional zones: Focus on ecotones—areas where forests meet fields or urban areas border wildlands—as these provide ideal mixtures of shelter and food.
• Listen for calls: The "chi-ca-go" call is a reliable indicator of nearby quail, even if they’re hidden in brush.
• Use quiet movement: Approach slowly and avoid sudden noises. Binoculars or a zoom lens allow close viewing without disturbance.
• Support ethical viewing: Never attempt to feed or lure quail with bait, as this alters natural behaviors and increases predation risk.

Popular locations for quail sightings include Point Reyes National Seashore, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Griffith Park in Los Angeles, and the UC Berkeley campus, where established populations reside year-round.

California Quail in Captivity and Conservation Status

While not endangered, the California quail faces pressures from habitat loss, drought, and climate change. According to the IUCN Red List, it remains classified as Least Concern, but localized declines have been noted, particularly in Southern California’s rapidly developing regions.

The species is sometimes raised in captivity for hunting programs and educational exhibits. However, released birds often struggle to survive due to lack of predator awareness and competition with wild populations. As a result, wildlife agencies generally discourage artificial stocking in favor of habitat restoration.

Conservation organizations such as Audubon California and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife promote initiatives like native plant gardening, predator control near sensitive habitats, and public education campaigns to support quail populations.

Common Misconceptions About the California Quail

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the state bird:

• Misconception 1: "The California quail is the same as the Gambel’s quail."
  Fact: While closely related and visually similar, Gambel’s quail inhabits desert regions of Arizona and Nevada and has a more upright plume and bolder facial pattern.
• Misconception 2: "Quail migrate seasonally."
  Fact: California quail are non-migratory. They may shift locally in response to food availability or weather but do not undertake long-distance migrations.
• Misconception 3: "They make good pets."
  Fact: Though sometimes kept illegally, quail are wild animals protected under state law. Keeping them without permits is unlawful and ethically problematic.

Feature	California Quail	Gambel’s Quail
Plume Direction	Curves forward	Straight up
Facial Pattern	Black face with white border	Bold black chin and throat
Habitat	Chaparral, woodlands, suburbs	Desert scrub
Geographic Range	CA, OR, WA, Baja	AZ, NV, UT, NM
Vocalization	"Chi-ca-go"	"Chi-lip” or “pit-pit”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the California quail become the state bird?

The California quail was officially adopted as the state bird in 1931.

Can you keep a California quail as a pet?

No. It is illegal to possess native wild birds without special permits from wildlife authorities.

Where is the best place to see California quail?

Natural parks with brushy understories, such as Point Reyes or Griffith Park, offer high sighting probabilities.

Does the California quail fly?

Yes, but only in short bursts. It primarily moves by walking or running and uses flight mainly to escape danger.

Why was the California quail chosen as the state bird?

It was selected for its native status, unique appearance, cultural ties, and widespread presence across the state.