Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in hybridizing California and Gambel's quail (Callipepla californica and C. gambelii)

Callipepla californica and C. gambelii are sibling species of quail that hybridize throughout Southern California where their ranges overlap. We developed seven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers that will be used to assess introgression between these species. Numbers of alleles ranged in C. californica from seven to 24 and in C. gambelii from five to 18, with high expected levels of heterozygosity in both species. Alleles exclusive to each species are present at most loci.