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Photo Source: Wikipedia.org |
Valley Quail, also known as California Quail, are small gamebirds that are native to the western United States, including California and Nevada. They are part of the New World quail family and are well-known for their distinctive head plumes and rounded appearance.
Valley Quail are plump, compact birds that grow to around 25 cm in length, with a distinctive topknot of feathers on their head. They are usually gray or brown in color, with distinctive black and white markings on their underparts, and are known for their distinctive call, which is a sharp, rolling "chika-chika-chika."
Valley Quail are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. They feed on seeds, leaves, and insects, and are an important food source for a variety of predators, including hawks, foxes, and coyotes.
In addition to being hunted for their meat and eggs, Valley Quail are also popular as pets and are kept in aviaries and small petting zoos. They are hardy birds that are easy to care for and breed, making them well-suited for novice bird owners.