Gambel's Quail

 

Continuing on with some of the western birds we have observed in our travels is the gorgeous Gambel's Quail. I photographed this bird while in Arizona on an owl prowl and must admit I had to look it up in my Sibleys Bird Guide book to identify. Beautiful colours and I just love the topknot of feathers.

Gambel’s Quail are gregarious birds of the desert Southwest, where coveys gather along brushy washes and cactus-studded arroyos to feed.

Males and females both sport a bobbing black topknot of feathers. The male’s prominent black belly patch distinguishes it from the similar California Quail. This ground-hugging desert dweller would rather run than fly—look for these tubby birds running between cover or posting a lookout on low shrubs. Cornell All About Birds

This is a beautiful bird to see sitting on a fence post early morning and I remember how lucky I felt to observe and get this image.