DESCRIPTION: 9½″-10½″. The distinctive _curved head plume_ identifies
this plump quail. Males have a black and white face pattern beneath the
brown crown, while females are duller and lack the striking facial
pattern. The bill is short and black.
PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from California before 1855 to all major
islands. Kilauea—Moderately common along the Mauna Loa Strip and south
and west of Kilauea Crater, for example Kipuka Nene. Haleakala—Fairly
common on slopes outside the crater up to about 8,000 feet.
VOICE: Both sexes issue a three noted _ka-kér-ko_, also clucking notes
_tek-tek_, etc.
Although the California quail has been in the islands for a long time,
it has not spread much in the park, probably because there is no
available open water. In this situation the birds must rely on dewfall,
berries, or succulent vegetation for their moisture requirements. They
shun heavy forests and do best where small grassy openings are
interspersed with dense brush thickets.