Harlequin Quail
Coturnix delegorguei
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<birdfyi-bird slug="coturnix-delegorguei"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small, nomadic Phasianidae quail (~76 g) of open grassland and cultivated areas across sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Males are boldly patterned black-and-white below with chestnut flanks. Erratically nomadic following rains. Feeds on seeds and small invertebrates. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 18.1 cm | 7.1 in |
| Weight | 75.64 g | 2.67 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male boldly patterned: black and white harlequin face pattern; chestnut-rufous underparts; black breast band; brown streaked upperparts. Female cryptically brown with pale shaft streaks; lacks male's striking face.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in open grassland and savanna from sub-Saharan Africa to India; intra-African and partial migrant depending on rainfall.
Diet & Feeding
Eats seeds, grain, and invertebrates in African and Arabian grassland; nomadic, tracking rainfall and food supply.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 14-18 days. Fledging: 5 days.
Clutch Size
4-8
Sound
Song
Rapid, emphatic 'weet-weet-weet' call; faster and more staccato than Common Quail. Sub-Saharan African grassland species. Alarm is a soft 'pip'. Calls persistently at dawn and dusk from dense grass.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | Coturnix delegorguei |
Distribution
Harlequin Quail has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family