California Quail ：In Harmony with the Wild，Quail in the Fields ！

California Quail ：In Harmony with the Wild，Quail in the Fields ！ California Quail Common in NZ，Canterbury, Otago, Waikato, Marlborough Social: Very gregarious; forms coveys (groups) of 10–30 birds, sometimes up to 100 Diet: Omnivorous Seeds, leaves, berries, shoots (main diet) Insects, especially during chick-rearing Male Features：Distinct black facial markings, forward-curving head plume (like a comma) Female：Duller in colour, smaller head plume Forage primarily on the ground in the early morning and late afternoon In groups, one bird often acts as a sentry, keeping watch while others feed Nest: Ground nests in grass or shrubs，Clutch: 8–20 eggs (average ~13) Chicks: Precocial (can run shortly after hatching), and fly within 2–3 weeks In the Wild: Average lifespan: 1 to 2 years Maximum recorded: Up to 4–5 years, but rare