The Habitat of the California Quail

The California Valley quail is a breed of quail with similar feeding and living habits as other types of quail. It is also the state bird of California. California quail are a hardy breed and are capable of adapting to a variety of living conditions, but there is an ideal habitat in which these birds thrive. In ideal habitat conditions, the average California quail lives for seven years.

  1. Geographic Areas

    • Although the California quail is the state bird of California, it also lives in Washington, Utah, Nevada, New Zealand, British Columbia and Chile, among other areas. The California quail lives all along the Western Pacific coastline, in valleys and woodlands. The open woodlands and valleys are the ideal habitat for these birds, where there are plenty of chaparral, sagebrush and wooded oak areas.

    Feeding Habits

    • A habitat with plenty of water is essential, since the California quail drink frequently. They eat insects, leaves and a variety of seeds. California quail spend a lot of time on the ground, looking for food. Grass is typically not a component of the California quail's diet.

    Habitat Charateristics

    • The main features of a habitat for California quail are plenty of shrubbery for the birds to forage beneath. California quail have difficulty working through thick, tall grass, so they tend to stay away from areas with thick, tall grass. In the summer, quails take in a great deal of water, so you will find them flocking around areas that feature water.

    Breeding Habitat Requirements

    • The California quail is adaptable when it comes to the characteristics of the habitat for breeding and nesting. They prefer is short shrub areas similar to those where they forage for food. If nothing else is available, the California quail will nest in an area with thick brush and woodpiles to help ensure protection of the young. Cats in particular, both wild and domesticated, are a danger to quail and are a natural predator.