Scaled Quail
Callipepla squamata

f5.6 @ 1/8000s, ISO:1600, Nikon D3S w 500mm

"Scaled Quail," Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The scaled quail, 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 bird is named for the scaly appearance of its breast and back feathers. Along with its scaly markings, the bird is easily identified by its white crest that resembles a tuft of cotton.

Sierra Vista, Arizona

04/25/2018