Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) is in the New World Quails family (Odontophoridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,042 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Scaled Quail: observations by month (U.S.)
About Scaled Quail
The scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), also commonly called blue quail or cottontop, is a species of the New World quail family. It is a bluish gray bird found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States to Central Mexico. This species is an early offshoot of the genus Callipepla, diverging in the Pliocene.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Scaled Quail by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2,515 | May | Mar–Nov |
| New Mexico | 763 | April | Apr–Oct |
| Arizona | 460 | May | Apr–Sep |
| Colorado | 246 | April | Jan–Jun |
| Oklahoma | 45 | May | Apr–May |
| Kansas | 10 | January | Dec–Jan |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (New World Quails)
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Scaled Quail?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from March to October.
Where is Scaled Quail most often seen?
The most observations come from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona.