The vocalizations of galliform species are typically sexually dimorphic in that only the males crow. I observed crowing by a female California Quail (Callipepla californica), a galliform species that ranges along the Pacific coast of North America. I recorded the female crowing during a period of the breeding season when many other females were paired. The female's crow was similar in frequency to a typical male crow, though it was slightly shorter in duration. I discuss possible mechanisms and conditions that could result in female crowing.
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1 June 2006
Natural Occurrence of Crowing in a Free-living Female Galliform, the California Quail
Jennifer M. Gee
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The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 118 • No. 2
June 2006
Vol. 118 • No. 2
June 2006