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THIS paper describes the calls of adult California Quail (Lophortyx californicus) in terms of their form, causation, and function. A later paper will report on the derivation of a.dult calls from the repertoire of the chick. Previous studies of this species, concerned with life history, habitat, food habits, and social behavior, placed little emphasis on vocal communication (Emlen and Lorenz, 1942; Howard and Emlen, 1942; Genelly, 1955; Raitt, 1960). Sumner (1935) provides the most complete listing of calls and the contexts in which they are given.