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.

Review all mystery birds to date.

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This is a summary of several of the better books I’ve had the opportunity to review here, organized in general categories.
tags: conservation, endangered species,
Family Guy, S07E02 'I Dream of Jesus': Peter: Brian, can I see that paper for a sec? (Brian gives Peter the paper. Peter peruses the paper.) Peter: Huh... that's odd... I thought that would big news.

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.