Common quail

Coturnix coturnix

A small quail hidden in fields and grassland, more often detected by the male's repeated three-note call than by sight.

Key facts

Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is an omnivore animal classified as Bird · Galliformes · Phasianidae.
Primary habitats are grassland · urban, with a range across Palearctic · Afrotropical · Indomalayan.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A small quail hidden in fields and grassland, more often detected by the male's repeated three-note call than by sight.
Uses cereal fields, hay meadows, grassland, fallow land, and low crops, with broad grassy areas used during migration.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Uses cereal fields, hay meadows, grassland, fallow land, and low crops, with broad grassy areas used during migration.

The body is small and densely streaked brown, with pale facial lines. Males may show dark throat markings.

It runs through cover and keeps low. Unlike many quails, it is a long-distance migrant, often moving at night.

Seeds, grain, shoots, and insects are eaten, with more animal food during breeding.

Shallow ground nests are hidden in grass. Precocial chicks leave the nest and feed soon after hatching.

Separate from Japanese quail, it remains widespread but can be affected locally by hunting pressure and farming practices.