Mystery Bird: Gambel's Quail, Callipepla gambelii

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[Mystery bird] Gambel's Quail, Callipepla gambelii, photographed near San Manuel, Arizona. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]

Image: Dan Logen, 17 April 2009 [larger view].

Nikon D300 and 600 mm VR lens ISO 320, f/8, 1/640.

Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.

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Good one Ben,

Callipepla gambelii, Gambel's Quail... a male I think: blue-gray above, white-streaked rusty-brown sides, grey legs...

range rules out Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) or California Quail (Callipepla californica)

The obvious rufous on the flanks rules out California Quail, and the spots on the rear flanks rules out Mountain Quail.

Unfortunately, thanks to our various state wildlife agencies, it's always dangerous to rule these birds out simply by range.