Common Quail vs Rain Quail

Common Quail

Coturnix coturnix

Medium96 gUrban

The common quail is a small compact gallinaceous bird 16–18 cm (6+1⁄2–7 in) in length with a wingspan of 32–35 cm (12+1⁄2–14 in). The weight is 70 to 140 g (2+1⁄2 to 5 oz). It is greatest before migration at the end of the breeding season. The female is generally slightly heavier than the male. It is streaked brown with a white eyestripe, and, in the male, a white chin. As befits its migratory nature, it has long wings, unlike the typically short-winged gamebirds. According to Online Etymology Dictionary, "small migratory game bird of the Old World, late 14c. (early 14c.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Sonothèque ADVL · Song · Genêts, Manche, Normandie, France · CC0

Photo: christoph_moning · CC BY 4.0

Rain Quail

Coturnix coromandelica

Medium74 gGrassland

The rain quail lacks barring on primaries. The male has a black breast-patch and distinctive head pattern of black and white. The female is difficult to separate from female common quail and Japanese quail, although the spots on the breast are more delicate. It is 6–6.5 in (15–17 cm) and weighs roughly 2.25–2.5 oz (64–71 g). The call is a metallic pair of quit- quit nots, constantly repeated mornings and evenings, and in the breeding season also during the night. It is quite unmistakably distinct from the call of the common grey quail.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Mike Prince · Call · Divar Island, North Goa, Goa, India · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Vinayak Yardi · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Common Quail and Rain Quail.