Quails are tiny, short-tailed game birds that resemble partridges but are generally smaller and less robust. There are roughly 130 species of these birds. The common quail has a characteristic call of three repeated chirps, and these quails are heard more often than they are seen.

Male quails claim territories during the mating season to compete with females. During this period, the females build nests that can hold between 16-20 fertilized eggs. And after hatching, quails can stand on their feet and even fly after two weeks. The small species of birds inhabit woodlands, farmlands, and open grasslands.

Quails are becoming popular birds for domestication, as they are an incredible source of eggs and meat. They don’t take much space, and they are easy to feed. And while in the wild, they prefer to inhabit crop fields, grasslands, and parks.

These small-tailed birds have an average life span of 3-4 years in the wild. And 5-6 years in a domestic habitat. After nesting and hatching, the male and female adults look after the young chicks for 3-4 weeks, after which they become self-sufficient.

While foraging for food in the wild, quails display opportunistic behavior, eating seeds, leaves, berries, barley, and even small insects. But while they are omnivorous birds, adult quails will eat more plant-based foods such as seeds and leafy, green vegetation.

Fun Facts about the Quail:

• Quails are more heard than seen, making a characteristic call of three repeated chirps.
• There are about 130 species of short-tailed quail birds worldwide.
• Quails’ feathers are fluffy and pointed and can only fly over short distances.
• Quails prefer landscapes with native vegetation and crop fields where they stay in hiding.
• The wingspan of an adult quail can reach up to 32-35 centimeters.