Quail
Coturnix coturnix
Quick answer
A quail is a small, plump ground-dwelling bird with mottled brown camouflage plumage, found in grasslands and farmland worldwide. The common quail is migratory and famous for its distinctive three-note call. Quails feed on seeds and insects, nest on the ground, and usually live 3 to 5 years.
Quail facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Coturnix coturnix |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore (seeds and insects) |
| Habitat | Grassland, meadows, and farmland |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Weight | 70–140 g (2.5–5 oz) |
| Top speed | Fast, low, whirring flight |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Coturnix |
What is a group of quails called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Quails is called a covey. It is also known as a bevy.
Baby name
A baby Quail is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Calls and breeding
The common quail is heard far more often than seen. Males give a distinctive repeated three-note call to attract mates across fields of tall grass. Females nest in a simple scrape on the ground and can lay large clutches, with chicks able to walk and feed soon after hatching.
Migration and diet
Unusually for such a small game bird, the common quail is a long-distance migrant, traveling between Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa and southern Asia. Quails are omnivores that eat seeds, grain, and insects, foraging by scratching and pecking at the ground.
Quails and people
Quails have been kept and hunted by people for thousands of years, and domesticated quail are raised worldwide for eggs and meat. Wild common quail remain widespread and are listed as Least Concern, though changes in farming affect their numbers.
Frequently asked questions about the Quail
What does a quail look like?
A quail is a small, plump ground bird with short legs and mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage in grass and crops.
Can quails fly?
Yes, but quails prefer to run and hide. When startled they make a fast, low, whirring flight over a short distance before dropping back into cover.
What do quails eat?
Quails are omnivores that feed on seeds, grain, and insects, foraging on the ground by pecking and scratching.
Where do quails live?
Quails live in grasslands, meadows, and farmland. The common quail breeds across Europe and Asia and migrates to Africa and southern Asia for winter.
Are quails endangered?
The common quail is listed as Least Concern and remains widespread, though intensive farming can reduce local populations.
What is a group of quails called?
A group of Quails is called a covey. It is also known as a bevy.
What is a baby quail called?
A baby Quail is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Quail:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Coturnix coturnix.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
