Common Quail
The common quail, Coturnix coturnix, is a master of disguise with its streaked plumage and distinctive 'wet-my-lips' call. This migratory bird is essential for insect control and serves as prey in its ecosystem, showcasing its vital role in both Europe and Africa.
Brown, Blue, Black, White
Color
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Characteristics
Coturnix coturnix, commonly known as the common quail, is a small ground-nesting bird found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It has a distinctive plumage with brown, black, and white streaks, aiding in camouflage. Known for its migratory behavior, it travels long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Its call is a familiar 'wet-my-lips' sound. The species plays a vital role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for various predators.
Distribution Range of the Common Quail
The common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is native to a wide range across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is primarily found in regions spanning from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to Japan in the east, including countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and extending to parts of the Middle East and northern India.
Common Quail's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The common quail typically inhabits open areas with grasslands, agricultural fields, and meadows. It prefers regions that provide ample cover and food sources, such as cereal crops, grass seeds, and small invertebrates. The climate in these areas ranges from temperate to subtropical, with the species adapting to both wet and dry conditions depending on the season.
Ecological Niche
As a ground-dwelling bird, the common quail occupies a niche where it forages for seeds and small insects on the ground. It plays a role in controlling insect populations and seed dispersal. The species is migratory, with many populations moving between breeding grounds in Europe and wintering areas in Africa and southern Asia, adapting to seasonal changes in food availability and climate.
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