Gambel’s Quail

(Callipepla gambelii)

The Gambel’s Quail has a jaunty decoration popping out of its forehead. This tuft of feathers is known as a “topknot”. Both males and females have one, but the male’s is more pronounced. Even the babies have a cute little tuft sticking out of their heads! You can see Gambel’s Quail dashing around on the ground between bushes in the suburbs and deserts of the southwestern United States.
Photo of male Gambel’s Quail taken near San Antonio, New Mexico, USA.