Mountain quail are the largest quail species found in the United States. The bird’s average length is 26–28 cm (10–11 in), with a wingspan of 35–40 cm (14–16 in). Mountain quail have a unique characteristic of two straight feathers that arch over the back. These birds are easily recognized by their top knots, which are shorter in females. They have a brown face and heavily white-barred underside. Females display greater brown coloring on their dorsal side, a paler red on their undersides, and wider white barring on the flank than their male counterparts. Mountain quails lose the multi-color primary coverts on their wings as they age, and by 15 months old will only have solid-colored coverts. The mountain quail’s long head plume gives a clue to its attitude. When the plume is angled backward, the bird is typically relaxed, feeding, or resting. When the plume sticks straight up, the bird is agitated or alert.
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