Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds found across diverse habitats worldwide. Recognized for their plump bodies and short wings, they are often more heard than seen, with males of many species producing distinctive calls. Their widespread presence and adaptability highlight a surprising variety within this group.
Understanding What a Quail Is
The term “quail” can sometimes lead to confusion, as it is used colloquially for various small, game-like birds. However, in scientific classification, “true quail” belong to two distinct families within the order Galliformes: Phasianidae (Old World quail) and Odontophoridae (New World quail). While these two families share similar appearances and ground-dwelling habits, they are not closely related, having diverged evolutionarily. Birds like buttonquail, which superficially resemble true quail, are classified in an entirely different family, Turnicidae, highlighting the importance of precise biological categorization.
Global Quail Classifications
Old World quail are part of the family Phasianidae, which also includes pheasants, partridges, and chickens. Within Phasianidae, the “true” Old World quail are primarily found in genera such as Coturnix and Synoicus. The genus Coturnix includes five extant species of Old World quail, while Synoicus contains four species. These birds are primarily distributed across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
New World quail belong to their own distinct family, Odontophoridae. This family comprises approximately 32 to 34 recognized species across nine genera. These species are exclusively found in the Americas, ranging from Canada through Central America to southern Brazil. Despite their similar appearance to Old World quail, DNA evidence confirms that New World quail are not particularly closely related to them, justifying their separate family status.
Prominent Quail Species
Several prominent quail species exhibit unique characteristics and habitats. The Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), an Old World species, is a small, migratory game bird native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. It is often heard more than seen, recognized by the male’s distinctive “wet-my-lips” call, and inhabits grasslands and agricultural fields. The Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) is native to East Asia and widely used in scientific research and poultry farming. This species prefers dense vegetation like grassy fields and riverbank bushes, and some populations migrate southward during winter.
From the New World, the Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) is widely recognized in eastern North America. Known for their clear “bob-white” whistle, these birds inhabit open pine forests, agricultural fields, and shrubby areas. They are highly social, traveling in groups called coveys, and forage on seeds, leaves, and insects. The California Quail (Callipepla californica) is easily identified by its distinctive curving, forward-drooping topknot. Common along the California coast, these adaptable birds thrive in broken chaparral, woodland edges, and suburban areas, strutting in coveys across clearings.