What is a Quail and where do they come from?
Coturnix Quail: Origin & Breeds of Coturnix Quail
Japanese Quail
The Japanese quail is the basis for most of the commercial quail that are now kept. It was first recognised in the nineteenth century as a separate breed in the wild, although it had been bred by the Japanese as a singing bird as early as the 12th century. In recent years, Japanese quail have been developed in more productive commercial strains, as well as for use in the laboratory.
Coturnix Quail
There is a great deal of confusion about the origin of Coturnix quail as we know them today, so it is appropriate to consider how their development took place. Part of the confusion undoubtedly lies in the fact that there are so many different local names, as well as old scientific names now replaced by modern classifications.
No one can know for certain how the various breeds and sub-species developed, but it is generally acknowledged that all the Coturnix types are originally based on the Common quail, Coturnix coturnix, the wild migratory bird of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Various sub-species developed from this, including the European quail, Coturnix coturnix coturnix, the Eurasian quail, Coturnix coturnix communis, and the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica.
Also associated with the Common quail are the Stubble quail, Coturnix pectoralis, and the Brown quail, Coturnix ypsilophorus, of Australia. In India there is the Rain quail, Coturnix coromendelia, while Africa has the Harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei.
New Zealand once had its own variety of New Zealand quail, Coturnix novaezelandicae, but this is now extinct.
The Asian Blue and the African Blue are smaller members of the Coturnix family. These, like their larger cousins are now to be found in various sub-species and colour variations.
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Eurasian or Pharaoh Quail
The Eurasian or Pharaoh quail, Coturnix coturnix communis, has also contributed to the development of commercial strains in the USA. Coturnix breeds are often referred to as Old World Quail because they were introduced by European settlers, and it distinguishes them from indigenous New World Quail such as the Bobwhite.
These introductions had numerous names, including Pharaoh, Bible, Nile, Tsar, King, Mediterranean or German.
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​Coturnix (also referred to as Japanese) Quail: Domesticated Coturnix quail are small to medium-sized birds, typically weighing between 6–8 ounces and reaching lengths of around 10 inches. Jumbo Coturnix quail weigh typically 10-22 ounces and are known for larger egg production and meat. They have a brownish-gray coat with distinctive white facial stripes and come in various color mutations, including brown, white, and golden. These birds are hardy, quiet, and adapt well to different climates, making them suitable for urban or backyard settings. Coturnix quail are known for their rapid maturation, reaching adulthood in just 6–8 weeks. They are prolific layers, producing up to 280–300 eggs per year, with egg-laying beginning at around six weeks of age. Their eggs are smaller than chicken eggs but are high in protein and lower in cholesterol, making them a nutritious delicacy. See our Blog page for more information about Coturnix Quail
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​Six NATIVE species of quail are found in North America. Although similar in size, quail species throughout the United States differ greatly in preferred habitat conditions.
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Bobwhite Quail: The most common species of quail, the bobwhite is often referred to as the number one game bird of the eastern and southern United States. The name "bobwhite" derives from its characteristic whistling call. Males have a white throat and brow stripe bordered by black compared to brown colored females.
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California Quail: Also known as valley quail, these birds have a curving crest or plume, made of six feathers, that droops forward: black in males and brown for females; the flanks are brown with white streaks.
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Mountain Quail: The largest quail species found in the United States, mountain quail possess a unique characteristic of two straight feathers that arch over the back. These birds are easily recognized by their top knots, which are shorter in the female. They have a brown face and heavily white-barred underside.
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Gambel's Quail: Also known as desert quail, Gambel's quail are located in dry regions of the southwestern United States. Gambel's quail are easily recognized by their top knots and scaly plumage on their undersides. They have gray plumage on their bodies, and males have copper feathers on the top of their heads, black faces, and white stripes above their eyes.
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Scaled Quail: Also known as blue quail or cottontops, scaled quail are known for their blue scaled appearance. Along with its scaly markings, the bird is easily identified by its white crest that resembles a tuft of cotton.
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Mearn’s Quail: With the smallest range in the United States, the Mearn's quail is found in southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico. They live in mountain areas populated with oak and juniper trees, as well as grasslands. Often referred to as Montezuma quail, they have a unique coloration of feathers which aids in their means of camoflauge.
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