- California quail typically nest on the ground in well-concealed locations such as dense underbrush, tall grasses, or fallen leaves.
- Look for nesting sites at the base of shrubs or trees, near a source of water, and protected from direct sunlight.
Nest design:
- The nest is usually a shallow depression or saucer-shaped structure.
- It is constructed by the female using grasses and other plant materials.
- California quail nests can be challenging to find due to their camouflage, and they often blend well with the surrounding vegetation.
- The nest may be placed in a natural cavity or a depression created by the female scraping the ground.
- The inside of the nest is often lined with soft materials like feathers, moss, or fur to provide comfort for the eggs.
Nesting period:
- The California quail nesting season generally occurs from March to August, with most nesting activities concentrated from April to June.
Egg-laying and clutch size:
- The female California quail lays a new egg once a day until the clutch is complete.
- The clutch size typically ranges from 10 to 16 eggs, but it can vary from 5 to 25 eggs.
- The eggs are slightly smaller than a regular chicken egg, with a smooth, off-white to light buff-colored shell and occasionally marked with small brown or gray spots.
Incubation:
- Incubation is carried out solely by the female California quail.
- The female will sit on the eggs for approximately 23 to 24 days until they hatch.
- During this period, the male will defend the nesting area and help provide food for the female.
Hatching:
- The chicks are precocial, meaning they are mobile and able to leave the nest within a day or two after hatching.
- The chicks are covered in pale yellow-grayish down with some brown markings on the head and wings.
Parental care:
- The young chicks rely on the female for protection and guidance during their first few weeks.
- The male quail assists by leading them to feeding areas, providing protection, and teaching them how to forage.
Nest abandonment:
- California quail are relatively diligent incubators and rarely abandon their nests.
- However, abandonment may occur if the nest is disturbed, flooded, or experiences excessive predation.