Scaled Quail ( Callipepla squamata) are sometimes referred to as blue racer quail, blue quail, Cordorniz Azul, Cordordniz Escamosa, cottontop quail, Mexican quail, scaled partridge, top-knot quail, zolin, or Scalies( Johnsgard,1973). There are four subspecies of Scaled quail. The C.s. castanogastris, often called Chestnut bellied quail, are found in southern Texas and eastern Coahuila Mexico. C.s. pallida can be found in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. C.s. hargravei is found in western Oklahoma, South western Kansas, south-eastern Colorado, northern New Mexico, and north west Texas. C.s.squamata is found in northern Sonora and Tampaulipas south to the valley of Mexico (Johnsgard,1988).

Scaled Quail range from 25 to 30 cm (10 –12 in) in length. The wings, when folded, are 10.9 to 12.1 cm (4.29 to 4.76 in) in males, and 10.95 to 12.0 cm (4.31 to 4.72 in) in females. The tail length ranges from 7.5 to 9.0 cm (2.95 to 3.54 in) in males and 7.5 to 8.8 cm (2.95 to 3.46 in) in females. The average weight for males is 179g and 173g in females (Johnsgard,1988).

The sexes are similar in appearance. They are bluish gray with extensive markings on the back, breast and abdomen with blackish "scaly" markings . The crest varies in color from buff in females to more whitish in males(Johnsgard,1973). Juveniles have poorly colored patterns and they resemble California Quail (Callipepla california. )