What Quails Eat

There are six species of quail in existence throughout the world, with the Northern bobwhite quail being predominant in the United States. Although the diets of different species of quail may vary according to what region the birds are living in, all quails are able to eat the same types of food. The main reason one quail may eat differently than another in a separate part of the world lacks available food.

  1. Insects and Worms

    • A quail is an omnivorous bird, meaning it chooses to eat other living things in addition to foods that grow from the earth. In the case of the quail insects such as crickets and grasshoppers are chosen as meals. Quails also like to include worms into their diet when available. Worms and insects are the primary foods eaten to help build up body mass and strength when quails are very young. As the bird ages, it relies less on these food sources; insects and worms make up only 5 percent of an adult quail's diet.

    Seeds and Grains

    • Seeds and grains make up most of an adult quail's diet, as well as a portion of a baby quail's diet. Hearty seeds and grains such as wheat and barley tend to be best for the bird, though the quail will eat whatever is available. Seeds and grains containing higher calorie counts help the bird gain weight, which is necessary for survival. The more fat a bird has on the body the better chances it has of surviving through a long, cold winter.

    Fruits

    • When available a quail likes to eat small fruits such as berries. These fruits tend to be easier for the bird to find in warmer months or warmer areas, and are scarce after snow falls.

    Vegetation

    • It is estimated that 95 percent of an adult quail's diet is made up of seeds, grains, fruits and vegetation. The last category consists of flowers and green vegetation. Forbs are the form of vegetation quails prefer most.