Photo: Mnolf · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The common quail is a small, secretive ground-dwelling bird that migrates annually between Europe, Africa, and Asia, more often heard than seen in dense grassland.
Appearance
It has a mottled brown body streaked with cream and black, providing excellent camouflage in tall grass.
Habitat & Distribution
The common quail is found in grassland habitats.
Diet & Behavior
Diet: Omnivore — Animals with flexible diets that eat both plants and animals, adapting to whatever food is available in their environment.
Quail are extremely reluctant to fly, preferring to run and hide in dense cover, and are best known by their distinctive repeated three-note call.
Predators
- Fox
- Hawk
- Snake
Prey
This species does not prey on other animals.
Interesting Facts
- 1
Its call is often rendered as sounding like 'wet-my-lips'.
- 2
Common quail undertake surprisingly long migrations despite being weak fliers.
- 3
They prefer running through dense grass to flying when startled.
Gallery
Common Quail FAQs
What does a common quail eat?
The common quail is an omnivore. Animals with flexible diets that eat both plants and animals, adapting to whatever food is available in their environment.
Where does the common quail live?
The common quail is found in grassland habitats across europe, africa, and asia.
Is the common quail endangered?
The common quail has a conservation status of Least Concern. Widespread and abundant species that are not currently at significant risk of extinction.
How long do common quails live?
A common quail's typical lifespan is 3–5 years in the wild.
How much does a common quail weigh?
An adult common quail typically weighs 0.07–0.13 kg.