Japanese Quail
Coturnix japonica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="coturnix-japonica"></birdfyi-bird>The Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 19.4 cm and a weight of 94.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Near Threatened.
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About
A small Phasianidae quail (~95 g) of grassland and cropland in East Asia, migratory between breeding grounds in Siberia and Japan and winter quarters in southern China. Extensively domesticated for egg and meat production. Wild populations are Near Threatened due to hybridisation with domestic strains and hunting.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 19.4 cm | 7.6 in |
| Weight | 94.5 g | 3.33 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Warm brown above with buff shaft streaks; pale buff below with dark brown streaking; male with rufous-orange throat and cheeks; female with pale buff throat and dark-spotted breast; closely resembles Common Quail.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds in Siberia, Japan, and Korea; partially migratory, wintering in China, Southeast Asia, and India; ancestor of domestic quail.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on small seeds, grain, and invertebrates in grassland; highly migratory, shifting diet seasonally.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 16-21 days.
Clutch Size
5-13
Sound
Song
Three-note 'ko-ko-ROO' call; slightly lower and less liquid than Common Quail. Domestic breeds call year-round. Alarm is soft 'pip'. Calls from grassland, often at night during migration.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | Coturnix japonica |
Distribution
Japanese Quail has been recorded in 10 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Japanese Quail eat?
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Is the Japanese Quail endangered?
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What does the Japanese Quail sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family