mountain quail Oreortyx pictus

Uncommon and more often heard than seen. Listen for the male's ventriloquial song, a rich whistled "PWEE-uh" that carries for great distances. Found in scrubby montane forest, often in small groups. Boldly patterned quail with tones of rich chestnut and blue-gray accentuated by white highlights. Look especially for the long, straight black plume atop the head and thick white bars on the sides, which help separate this species from California Quail. Female is slightly drabber than male.