Gambel's Quail

These cute little birds are almost always in motion with their strange hairstyle, which I shall call a pompadour, bouncing along. I don't know the purpose or function of that odd feather but I'll bet that Darwin would be able to expain its meaning. I've been feeding them lately by putting oiled sunflower seeds on a cafeteria tray, only one handful at a time. The birds are very skittish and nearly always running away from any motion. It is unusual to get a photo of them that shows the facial and tummy markings.