Bird Watching: DAILY PICS VOL. 34, 1 by NM_Jane

NM_Jane wrote:
Thanks Sadie_Mae!

I read in one of my bird books that the Gambel's and Scaled Quails will sometimes crossbreed. I also wondered about which features would dominate in the offspring.

This morning, this unusual looking quail showed up. He only stayed a few second; but I managed to get a picture of him. His chest feathers are scaled. He has a topknot and face markings similar to a male Gambel's quail; but not quite as pronounced. He also has the Gambel's graduated colors (gray, white, brown) on his chest and wings.

I think he must be a hybrid; but if anybody knows differently, please let me know.