ExploreBird

Quail

Coturnix coturnix

Quails are small, fluffy birds that like to live on the ground. They have round bodies and short tails, making them super cute!

Appearance

The Quail is a small, plump game bird with streaky brown, black, and cream plumage that provides excellent camouflage. Males often have a distinctive dark throat patch that varies in pattern. Its rounded body and short tail make it appear very compact.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyOdontophoridaeGenusCoturnix

Quail

Interesting facts

A group of quails is called a 'covey,' and they stick together.

Baby quail can run around and feed themselves just hours after hatching!

Quail often hide by freezing perfectly still, hoping you won't see them.

Some quail travel thousands of miles across continents each year!

Special abilities

Quail can burst into rapid, vertical flight from a standstill because of powerful leg muscles and short, rounded wings.

Quail has streaky brown and cream feathers that help them disappear against the ground and grasses, hiding from predators.

Quail can build well-hidden nests directly on the ground, tucked away in dense vegetation, to protect their eggs.

Measurements & details

Length: 16-18 cm
Wingspan: 32-35 cm
Weight: 0.07-0.14 kg
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 6-12
Incubation: 17-20 days
Migration Distance: 5000 km

Diet & Feeding

Quail mostly munch on seeds and leaves, but also enjoy a tasty insect snack.

Age differences: Chicks eat more insects for protein; adults shift more to plant matter.

Primary Foods

Grass seeds
Weed seeds
Leaves
Beetles
Ants
Small snails

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

A common predator that hunts adult quail and their chicks.

eats

Wheat

Triticum aestivum

Quail feed on fallen wheat grains in agricultural fields.

eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Quail chicks and adults frequently consume ants.

eaten by

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

A swift bird of prey that can catch quails in open areas.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.