Bird Magic: Wisdom of the Ancient Goddess for Pagans & Wiccans - Sandra Kynes 2016

Quail: California Quail, Northern Bobwhite
The Profiles

California Quail (Callipepla californica)

Quail is a collective name for several genera of birds in the Odontophoridae family. Since ancient times, quail have been popular game birds. They are built better for running than flying, which has made them fairly easy to snare with nets. The ancient Egyptians employed this method for catching them and depicted this activity in wall paintings. The bobwhite is so named because the male’s whistling call seems to be saying “bob-white.”

In both Greek and Hindu mythology, the quail symbolized spring and revival. In Greece, this bird also represented the heat of passion and was used as a gift from one lover to another. According to one Greek legend, Zeus turned his lover Leto into a quail so she could fly away from his wife, Hera. Leto flew to the Island of Delos where she gave birth to Artemis and Apollo.

The Romans were also fond of quail and kept them for meat and eggs. Quail fighting, similar to cockfighting, was introduced into Europe from China and became popular with the Romans. As a result, these courageous little fighters became an emblem of Roman military valor. Although Shakespeare mentioned quail fighting, it was not a sport that caught on in England. European Gypsies considered the quail a bird of the devil because of its ability to fight. In addition, they associated it with witchcraft and sorcery.

The quail was also considered a protector. In German folklore, keeping one in the house was believed to protect the building from lightning. Additionally, the quail was considered a bird of prophecy. In Germany and other parts of Europe, the number of times a quail call was heard could predict the amount of money crops would bring in the marketplace. Also, hearing a quail early in the morning meant that it would rain.

Magical Workings

Whenever you are in need of courage and protection, this small bird packs a punch and can help you find your power to meet whatever challenge comes your way. Quail can warn you of potential danger as well as provide a heads-up for challenges that do not present a threat.

Quail can serve as a guardian during shamanic work and astral travel. As a master of camouflage, it can show you the intricacies of shape-shifting. The softer side of quail is its association with fertility and passion. Call on this bird to enhance spellwork, especially when it relates to love, harmony, and protection. Quail also helps to stoke the fires of creativity; keep a picture or figurine of it on your desk or in your workshop.

Make Connection

To connect with quail energy, sit in front of your altar and whistle the “bob-white” call three times. It is a simple two-note call in which the second is higher. Close your eyes and visualize a plump little quail on the ground circling around your feet. In a whispered voice, ask for its attention. It will stop and look up at you when you are ready for the connection. Quail is a cautious bird and wants to be sure of sharing its power with humans when they are prepared for it.

Associations

Element(s): Air, earth, fire

Goddess: Artemis

God: Apollo

Bird Identification

California Quail (Callipepla californica)

Also known as: Valley quail

Size: 9 to 11 inches

Wingspan: 12 to 14 inches

Comparative size: Robin

Description: Plump body; small head and bill; short neck; short, broad wings; long, square tail; comma-shaped topknot of feathers on the forehead; striking white and chestnut pattern on the breast and belly

Male: Gray and brown; black face outlined with bold white stripes; longer topknot than female

Female: More plain brown than the male; no facial markings

Range: From the northwestern United States to Idaho, through California, and south through the Baja Peninsula

Habitat: Coastal sagebrush, chaparral, forest foothills, suburban backyards and parks

Eggs: White or cream-colored with variable brown markings

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

Size: 8 to 11 inches

Wingspan: 12 to 14 inches

Comparative size: Robin

Description: Chunky, brown body with a patchy pattern; pale, streaked underparts; brown top of head; white face with dark streak from eye to neck; short, pointed beak

Range: From Mid-Atlantic states south to Florida, through the western plains states to areas of the Rocky Mountain foothills, and into parts of Mexico; also a small area of the Pacific Northwest

Habitat: Brushy pastures, open pine forests, and farmland

Eggs: Creamy white

Collective noun(s): A battery, a drift, a flock, or a flush of quail, as well as a covey or a bevy of Bobwhites