California Quail

Name: California Quail
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-REG-QUIL
Price: 79.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$79.99

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Description

Cute, quirky, and a little bit bougie.
The California Quail is instantly recognisable — with its curled top feather, black-and-white face, and round little body, this bird is part fashion icon, part backyard delight. Introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s, it’s now a familiar sight in rural gardens and native parks, often seen bobbing across the grass in charming little coveys.

Whether you’re a bird nerd, a lover of eccentric accessories, or someone who appreciates well-dressed wildlife, this piece will bring a smile. Our silhouette captures the full fabulousness of the quail — plume, plumpness and all.

✓ Boldly stylish... The California Quail is equal parts cute and iconic
✓ Perfectly shaped... 29cm high by 13cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ Garden-ready... Ideal for grass, potted plants, or native beds
✓ Crafted in NZ... Made locally in a family-run workshop
✓ Made to last... Cut from 3mm Corten® steel — designed to weather beautifully
✓ Giftable & mailable... Ships flat in a 31cm x 21cm x 1cm box
✓ Same-day dispatch... Orders before 2pm on weekdays fly fast

Give this charismatic character the perch it deserves.

Here's how to settle in your quail:

1. Pick a spot where it can stand out — garden beds, raised planters, or even a front fence
2. Insert the stake firmly into soil or soft ground at a slight downward angle
3. Installing on a post or hard surface? Use the small holes in the feet to screw-mount it securely
4. Step back and admire — those curved feathers deserve a bit of spotlight

Top Tip: Place it where the light can catch those curls — like a raised planter, fence edge, or garden path. The silhouette is full of detail, so give it a spot where it can shine.

Is the quail native to NZ?
No — but it’s a long-term resident. Introduced from California in the 1800s, it’s now a familiar and beloved bird across parts of Aotearoa.

How should I install this on a deck or post?
Use the holes on the feet to screw-mount securely onto timber or harder surfaces. Or wedge gently between bricks or stones if you prefer tool-free installation.

Will it rust or stain?
No staining — just natural, graceful weathering. Corten® steel develops a protective rust patina that keeps it strong for years.

What does a quail sound like?
Its call is adorably odd — it sounds like it’s saying “chi-ca-go!” Keep your ears out if you ever spot one in the wild!

Can I install this with other birds?
Absolutely. The quail pairs well with other low-sitting birds like the black robin or ruru — or even in a trio for maximum charm.

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$79.99

AS SEEN IN

Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.

When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.

That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.

This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.

The Patina Process:

At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.

The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.