Polytypic (2 ssp.; nominate in North America). Length 10". Plump, short-tailed quail with gray plumage; prominent teardrop-shaped head plume or double plume in both sexes. Adult male: chestnut ...

One key difference is their head plumage. Valley quail have a curved top knot — shaped like a question mark. Mountain quail head plumage is straight — more like an exclamation point.