What Are Quail Facts?

Quails are small birds that can be found around the world in forests and in woodlands. They are considered part of the pheasant family and can range in size from as small as 4 inches to as large as 8 inches tall. Quail are commonly referred to by their scientific name, Corturnix.

  1. Migration and Mating Habits

    • Quails are primarily solitary animals and not generally considered migratory birds. After the chicks reach about 2 months in age and during mating season, flocks of quails (known as "coveys") can consist of up to 100 birds or more. Quails are usually monogamous, but about 5 percent of quails mate will with more than one partner. Occasionally, a female quail will build two nests for incubation. This is especially true if a male quail assists during incubation. A female quail can give birth to one to as many as 13 chicks.

    Habitat

    • A single quail generally requires a habitat of about one acre, although coveys can survive on between 10 and 15 acres. Most quail habitats consist of tall bunch grass and thermal cover (such as palmetto). Weed fields are a good habitat for these birds since they allow for foraging and reduce vulnerability to exposure and predators.

    Diet

    • Quails are generally omnivores (primarily vegetarian). The quail diet consists of about 95 percent plant food such as seeds, flowers, wheat, barley and fruit. The other 5 percent of their diet usually consists of insects, worms and grasshoppers.

    The Bobwhite Quail

    • The Bobwhite quail is the most widely distributed game bird in North America. The Masked Northern Bobwhite variety is considered an endangered species. This variety of quail can be found primarily in the Caribbean region, northwest Mexico and the southwest region of the United States. Bobwhite quails can travel at speeds of up to 38 miles per hour.

    Mortality Rate

    • Only about 15 to 30 percent of quails survive 30 days after they are hatched. However, nature has attempted to compensate for this by providing quails with a very high reproduction rate. Quail chicks are sometimes abandoned after 30 days. Natural predators of quails are numerous and can include snakes, bobcats, raccoons and owls just to name a few. Fire ants frequently attack quail chicks, especially those that are newly hatched. Quails are vulnerable to many diseases and parasites, especially when pen-raised. Quails have a life expectancy of between 3 and 5 years.

    Quail as a Food Source

    • As a food source, since most quails only weigh between 2.5 and 5 oz., they provide little meat. In many countries and cultures, quail eggs are considered a delicacy.