This is the state bird of California. Quail spend most of their time foraging on the ground, therefore their tracks are found in a line, one after the other. Both male and female have a teardrop-shaped tuft of dark feathers on top of the head, although the female is not as boldly colored as the male. After the breeding season, quail live together in groups called coveys. These groups of up to 200 birds are composed of parents and young.
Parents closely watch their young.
While the group is feeding, one bird will act as a sentinel to warn the group of any approaching danger. If you re hiking along and startle a covey of quail, they will all burst into flight at once with a roaring of wings. These small, plump birds roost in trees for safety. They can be found inhabiting parks and woodland edges. Quail tracks are frequently found on sandy river bars.