Quail
In case you can't tell just by looking at him, the California quail is a bit of a celebrity. With his distinctive plump physique, dashing black head plume and elegant white markings, this bird is truly styling. What else would you expect from the official state bird of California?!
It's an important honor, of course, but this shy guy would much prefer hanging out with friends and family. Throughout most of the year, California quails group together in flocks, or coveys, of 25 to 50 birds, and spend their days eating, looking for water and resting in the shade. There have been reports of one flock consisting of more than 1,000 birds. There must have been some good seeds, weeds, tree buds and insects to chow down on at that party!
The California quail can be found along the entire Pacific Coast, and in nearby states such as Nevada. But if you were to listen closely to him, you just might think he's planning a trip! How come? This bird's call sounds exactly like the word "Chi-caa-go"! (Or maybe he just want to be the state bird of Illinois, too!)