Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Scaled Quail
Scientific name:	Callipepla squamata
Date:	7/19/17
Time:	8:20 am
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	adult
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Boulder, UT
County:	Garfield
Latilong:
Elevation:	6700
Distance to bird:	25 ft
Optical equipment:	10x binoculars
Weather:	warm & sunny
Light Conditions:	ideal, a few clouds
Description: Size of bird:	~10" tall, ~6" wide
(Description:) Basic Shape:	short plump game bird
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	gray-brown, white highlights
(Description:) Bill Type:	short, stubby, curved at tip
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Drab gray-brown overall, with noticeable scaled appearance of breast & belly feathers. Thin white feathers down flanks. White tuft on head compared to dark plume of other Utah quail. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Not heard
Behavior:	Standing vigilant atop a vehicle
Habitat:	Private driveway, surrounded by grassy livestock pastures and a slickrock hillside featuring pinyon/juniper.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Other Utah quail have more striking plumage with dark feathers, including the dark head plume. This bird had a white tuft on its head, and the only distinct plumage feature was the scaled breast.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None with this species, it was a life bird. In Garfield Co. I have only seen Chukar, and I have seen Gambel's Quail several times throughout the southwest.
References consulted:	Sibley Guide to Birds
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ryan McDermott
Observer's address:	P.O. Box 1364, Boulder UT, 84716
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Heather McDevitt
Date prepared:	7/22/17
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	I found this bird in the same location the following two days, 7/20 & 7/21. The landowner had previously seen at least two adults, and even photographed one of them standing beside a young chick. The bird is located on private property down a private road, and the landowner does not want visitors.