The state bird of California is the QUAIL, which is a five-letter word. The California QUAIL, also known as the Valley QUAIL, is a small ground-dwelling bird found primarily in the western United States and Mexico. It is a highly sociable bird that often gathers in large flocks, and its call is a familiar sound in the foothills of California. The California QUAIL is the official state bird of California, and it is also featured on the state flag.