A stocky, intricately-patterned quail of interior Southwest. Adult is gray overall, with fine black "scales" over neck and underparts, white streaks on flanks, clean brownish upperparts, brown face, and pale crest.

Length: 25 (cm) Wingspan: 36 (cm)

Voice:

Loud, bursting single or double notes, and various clucking sounds.

Habitat:

Grasslands, open areas with shrubs, hedgerows, arid deserts.

Behavior:

Males call from conspicuous perches. Nest is a well-concealed, grass-lined hollow. Forms winter coveys of up to several dozen individuals.

Feeding:

Forages on ground, pecking at a variety of seeds and grains.