Callipepla squamata pallida

(Brewster, 1881)

Vernacular names
English : Scaled quail
French : Colin écaillé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Odontophoridae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 30 cm for a weight of 202 g. Unmistakable. Vertical brown and white crest. Neck, breast, back and belly pearly grey with black edge on each feathers. Belly becomes yellowish-beige.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from south-central USA to north-west Mexico. Species found from central USA to central Mexico. Lives in desert scrubland and grassland, up to 2300 meters, often near water.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species fluctuates in numbers but remains fairly common. Declines are noted due to massive breeding failure, from predation and disturbance.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Fort Worth Zoo (USA)

 

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