An acute necrotizing hepatitis in 1- to 3-wk-old Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) caused by an adenovirus is described. The infection caused high mortality in captive raised, orphan chicks at two wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Arizona (USA). Gross lesions varied from pale livers to multiple, pinpoint, white foci scattered throughout the livers. Microscopically, scattered foci of hepatocellular necrosis were present. Intact hepatocytes at the periphery of necrotic foci had eosinophilic and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies.