quail

Quail are small to medium-sized ground-dwelling birds in the family Phasianidae, within the order Galliformes. They occur on many continents, with Old World species including Coturnix and Alectoris, and New World species such as Colinus and Callipepla. Quail inhabit a range of open habitats, including grasslands, scrub, farmland, and woodland edges. They are generally secretive, foraging on the ground and roosting in cover, and many species are sedentary or only seasonally migratory.

Physically, quail are compact and stocky, with short wings, short tails, and stout bills. Plumage is typically cryptic, with browns, grays, and blacks that blend with leaf litter and vegetation. Body length commonly ranges from about 12 to 20 centimeters, depending on species. They have strong legs for walking and short, rapid flights when startled. Sexes are often visually similar, though some species show slight size or color differences.

Behavior and diet vary by species but share ground-based foraging and seed-based diets that may include grains, buds, leaves, fruits, and insects, especially for chicks. Quail commonly form coveys outside the breeding season. They nest on the ground, laying a clutch of eggs in a simple scrape lined with vegetation. Incubation lasts about two weeks, and the precocial chicks forage soon after hatch, often relying on parental protection in the early days.

Humans interact with quail as game birds and as poultry. Coturnix quail, including the Japanese quail, are widely farmed for meat and eggs. Quail eggs are used in culinary dishes and are valued for their small size. Habitat loss and overhunting have affected some populations, while others remain abundant in suitable environments. Notable species include the Northern bobwhite, California quail, and Gambel’s quail in North America, along with various Old World and other New World species.