While we were visiting the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area near
Boise, ID back in may we came the California state bird on several different occasions. The California quail is a common ground-dwelling game bird that is found in the southwestern portions of the United States. They spend most of their time in communal groups called coveys which can consist of 5 to 100 birds.
Most of their time is spent searching and scrapping the ground in search of seeds, berries and other
vegetation, which is the majority of what they eat, plus small insects. Since they live in arid climates they get much of the moisture that they need to survive from their food. They are able to digest the vegetation that they eat with the help of protozoans in their digestive track. Chicks do not
possesses these protozoans when they hatch and must obtain them by pecking at the adults feces. The California quail was a life bird for us.
While we were visiting the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area near Boise, ID back in may we came the California state bird on several different occasions. The California quail is a common ground-dwelling game bird that is found in the southwestern portions of the United States. They spend most of their time in communal groups called coveys which can consist of 5 to 100 birds.
Most of their time is spent searching and scrapping the ground in search of seeds, berries and other vegetation, which is the majority of what they eat, plus small insects. Since they live in arid climates they get much of the moisture that they need to survive from their food. They are able to digest the vegetation that they eat with the help of protozoans in their digestive track. Chicks do not possesses these protozoans when they hatch and must obtain them by pecking at the adults feces. The California quail was a life bird for us.
14 comments:
Hi,
Maybe a common one but a wonderful one nevertheless. I love the first shot, the bird looks so gorgeous. I'd like to see one with my own eyes.
A feather for it's hat ;o)
happy weekend wanderings ~Maria
That is a beautiful bird. Helen
What a gorgeous bird!
Congrats on the live bird. I didn't realize they went so far north-east. Wonderful shots.
Fascinating post and beautiful photos. I always love learning interesting nature facts.
Very informative post and this critter is outstanding!
Happy Camera critters, purrs and love
Luna
Wow that was a funny one :-)
Cool looking bird, it would be a lifer for me. thanks for sharing your critter.
Very nice critter shots!
Very nice photo. I am reminded of my childhood, seeing them running about on the ground with their strings of babies running after them (northern California).
http://threeriversdailyphoto.blogspot.com
What an interesting bird both in looks and habit.
Calico Contemplations
FANTASTIC! I have a lot of Bob White's out here, but have yet to get a good photo of them.
Beautiful quail shots .. nice job
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