What breed/Kind of Quail is this?

[Kathryn4629]

Just wondering what breed and or kind of quail this is? I am sure its an easy answer but every time I look them up, all of the 'area/ranges' seem to be wrong. They have a huge population around here in North Idaho. The other morning I counted 57 in the front yard

Thanks so much

 

[DuranAndy]

That is the California quail aka Valley quail.

 

[Kathryn4629]

Quote:
Thank you! I thought it was the California Quail, but I told someone that the other day and they told me that was impossible because, "There is no way they would survive the winter"

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
Thank you! I thought it was the California Quail, but I told someone that the other day and they told me that was impossible because, "There is no way they would survive the winter"

SURE THEY CAN, BUT YOU ARE DEFINATELY NOT WITHIN THEIR NORMAL RANGE. PERHAPS SOMEBODY TRIED A STOCKING PROGRAM THERE IN THE PAST... MANAGED TO GET A SMALL BREEDING POPULATION ESTABOLISHED?

1 THING FOR SURE IF WILD VALLEYS ARE THERE IN IDAHO THEY HAVE DEFINATELT TAKEN A WRONG TURN SOMEWHERE

 

[FeatheredObsessions]

They are wide spread in Oregon Southern Idaho, and even up into northern Washington state. Sounds like you had a group cross state lines or head north a bit more. In eastern Oregon there is two feet of snow in the winter and the Valley quail do just fine year in and out. We fed them cause we loved to look out the kitchen window and watch them too.

 

[Robo]

That just doesn't seem right...

 

[FeatheredObsessions]

Quote:
It's probably not really that far out of their range for them to be seen in Northern Idaho. Their range goes up North into Canada along the west coast and through out Southern Idaho so only a hundred miles or so out of range. They are pretty hardy in the winters so the weather wouldn't be a concern.

 

[Kathryn4629]

Well I have no idea if its right or not, but they are sure thriving here

I dont believe that anyone around here raises, and or releases them. Its a very very small community so I would more than likely hear about it.

I just LOVE watching them!! Today the males were doing what I call the "chest bump" soooo cute.

 

[FeatheredObsessions]

It is that time of year

I love it!