This is Bird Note.

Does this bird seem to be saying Chicago, Chicago?

Don't be misled.

This small ground bird, the California quail, is strictly a bird of the far west.

The California quails, gray and rusty colored body, is beautifully adorned.

And the most distinctive characteristic of this quail, is a black, forward-facing top

nut that shuts out from the bird's forehead, like a small flag.

Although quail can fly short distances, they spend most of their time on the ground,

foraging for food.

When they're threatened, they scurry into thick brush.

Quail build their well-concealed nests right on the ground, which can hold from 1 to 24

eggs.

Yes, the large clutches may include eggs from more than one female.

Immediately after hatching, the chicks follow their parents around the neighborhood, scratching

for food.

Two or more quail families may join together to form a cubby of quail.

With such a large extended family, it's not surprising when a male California quail

hops up onto a stump to gather the cubby together with this rallying call.

For Bird Note, I'm Mary McCann.

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