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The
Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix, is from the pheasant
family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous
birds. This quail breeds on open arable farmland and grassland
across most of Europe and Asia, laying 6-18 eggs in a
ground nest. It is a strongly migratory bird, unlike most
of the gamebirds, and winters in Africa. It is a small
(17 cm) rotund bird, essentially streaked brown with a
white eyestripe, and, in the male, a black chin. As befits
its migratory nature, it has long wings, unlike most typically
short-winged gamebirds. This is a terrestrial species,
feeding on seeds and insects on the ground. It is notoriously
difficult to see, keeping hidden in crops, and reluctant
to fly, preferring to creep away instead. Even when flushed,
it keeps low and soon drops back into cover. Often the
only indication of its presence is the distinctive "wet-my-lips"
repetitive song of the male. |
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The
Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix, is from the pheasant
family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous
birds. This quail breeds on open arable farmland and grassland
across most of Europe and Asia, laying 6-18 eggs in a
ground nest. It is a strongly migratory bird, unlike most
of the gamebirds, and winters in Africa. It is a small
(17 cm) rotund bird, essentially streaked brown with a
white eyestripe, and, in the male, a black chin. As befits
its migratory nature, it has long wings, unlike most typically
short-winged gamebirds. This is a terrestrial species,
feeding on seeds and insects on the ground. It is notoriously
difficult to see, keeping hidden in crops, and reluctant
to fly, preferring to creep away instead. Even when flushed,
it keeps low and soon drops back into cover. Often the
only indication of its presence is the distinctive "wet-my-lips"
repetitive song of the male. |
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