Gambel's quail

[ gahm-buhls kweyl ]

noun

1. a bluish-gray true quail, Callipepla gambelii, with a distinctive forward-curving plume, or topknot: native to the desert areas of the western U.S., it is often confused with the California quail, but the Gambel’s quail has a somewhat longer topknot and, on the male, a copper-colored cap.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gambel's quail¹

First recorded in 1850–55; named after William Gambel (1823–49), U.S. ornithologist and botanist

Example Sentences

At Sevilleta, the change means certain areas of the refuge will be open to Eurasian-collared dove and Gambel’s quail hunting.

From Seattle Times

At Sevilleta, the change means certain areas of the refuge will be open to Eurasian-collared dove and Gambel’s quail hunting.

From Washington Times

“Black bears are frequently observed in this portion of the WMA, and recently, reintroduced Gambel’s quail have been noted here, as well. Important public access to the river is afforded through this tract, and it is known by public quail hunters as an area with consistently strong scaled quail hunting.”

From Washington Times

As a resident of San Francisco, Wu is both excited and concerned by the idea of being able to see cactus wrens, Gambel's quail, and Gila woodpeckers—all commonly associated with arid habitats—showing up nearby in Yosemite National Park.

From National Geographic

While pondering how man-made rubbish can still find its way far into no-man’s land, a covey of Gambel’s quail flushed off to my side.

From New York Times