iN PHOTOS: Chilly quail fluff up for warmth during Okanagan deep freeze

California quail can be seen in backyards across the Okanagan with their feathers fluffed up, huddling in groups or voraciously eating seeds to keep warm during the current deep freeze.

Photographers throughout the Okanagan snapped photos of the adorable little birds.

The birds, which are recognized by the adorable comma-shaped plumes on their heads, are highly sociable and move around in flocks.

They don't migrate in the winter, but instead form even larger coveys in the cold and cuddle together to conserve body heat.

The flocks are known to burst out of the shrubs into the air when startled by a passerby.

California quail are native to the southwestern United States states and were introduced to BC in the 19th century.

They're found mostly in the Okanagan but its rumoured among birders and wildlife enthusiasts they have been spotted in the Kamloops area in the past five years.

If you've taken photos of quail and want to share, send them to news@infonews.ca.

Quail eating in the snow, Kelowna. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Hollie Lorentz

Quail in Oliver huddle together to keep warm in freezing temperatures. , A quail snacks on seeds in a backyard in Kelowna. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Hollie Lorentz

A pair of chilly Penticton quail in winter. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jodi Forster

A quail in a tree on a winter day in Penticton. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lilian Blashko

A quail perches on a limb in Kelowna in early winter. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Patricia Arrance Photographer: Shannon Ainslie

This quail was spotted in Keremeos before the snow fell this winter. | Credit: SUBMITTED/ Kathy Green

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