Animal Profiles
Birds

Quail

Galliformes

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Quail are small ground-dwelling gamebirds. This account describes the common quail (Coturnix coturnix), which hides in dense grassy cover and undertakes seasonal migrations.

Coturnix coturnix (quail)

Representative species: Coturnix coturnix.

christoph_moning · CC BY

At a glance

Habitat
Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Seeds, grain and insects.

Classification

Common name
Quail
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Galliformes
Taxon rank
order
Order
Galliformes
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It spends much of its time on the ground.
  • Many populations migrate at night.
  • Both seeds and insects are eaten.

Habitat and range

Common quail occupy parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Tall grassland and cereal fields offer feeding and nesting cover; seasonal movements connect breeding areas with warmer wintering grounds.

Appearance and adaptations

The compact body, short tail and streaked brown plumage blend with dry vegetation. Its wings are pointed, and the bird is capable of substantial seasonal journeys.

Diet and behaviour

Seeds, grain and insects provide food, with animal protein especially important during reproduction. Males call from breeding territories. Many birds travel at night during migration, while ground cover remains important for resting and nesting.

Sources

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