There are only eight species of quail in the modern world, but each has a large number of variations. It is believed that there are approximately 45 subspecies. Quail are known to all hunters not only for their small size. Their meat and even eggs are considered delicious.
The common quail is known to winter in South Africa and India, but its nesting habitats include Europe, parts of Western Asia, and Russia. It prefers to nest in plains and mountainous areas.
Appearance of quail
Quail – the bird is very small This is evidenced by both its weight and body length. Its significant differences from other birds lie, first and foremost, in its appearance:
- The weight of an adult bird is about 90–140 grams.
- Length from 18 to 22 centimeters.
- The quail's primary color is yellowish-brown, sometimes with gray or black accents. For example, you might see a quail with a light-brown upper body and dark spots or reddish stripes throughout its body.
- Only the male's throat can be dark in color, while the female's is also variegated.
- The male has a light-colored lower body.
- Above the eyes, as well as on the head, there are light-brown stripes.
- The legs are light.
- The beak is colored brown.
- The eyes are usually brown.
- The wings are very long, but the tail is short.
Breeding quails
The breeding season of quails can be determined by the calling call of the males, who try to attract the female in every possible way. Incidentally, the female usually responds to the male. whistling with a slight hoarsenessAs soon as males hear such a whistle, they immediately flock to it, and if several individuals gather, a fight is sure to break out. However, a female can mate with several males.
Quail can build their nest directly on the ground. They construct it by first digging a hole and then lining it with grass. They lay their eggs in this clutch, the number of which varies from 6 to 12. Quail eggs are light in color, but with brown spots. This bird's incubation period lasts from 16 to 18 daysBy the way, the male has nothing to do with incubation.
Immediately after birth, the chicks are able to follow their mother. Quail are wonderful and caring mothers who selflessly protect their young. If a predator suddenly appears, the quail's offspring hide, and the quail herself tries to move away from the chicks, drawing the predator away.
When night falls, the chicks hide under the mother's wing. Quail chicks grow quickly. Within two to three days of birth, they can easily flit from place to place. They begin to fly only toward the end of the first month, and as soon as this happens, they immediately leave their mother.
Behavior and nutrition of quails
This bird shows activity in its behavior only in the morning and evening hoursDuring the day, quail prefer to rest. Their diet includes the following foods:
- Seeds.
- Grains.
- Insects.
Quail are nimble and agile birds that scurry across the ground and take off with a loud noise. As early as early September, they begin to flock and migrate south. But before they do, they visit nearby cornfields and orchards to gain strength.
Unfortunately, migration ends in death for some birds. Birds are particularly at risk of dying while flying over the sea. Exhausted and out of strength, they not only try to land on the seashore but also spend long periods of time right on the sand, trying to hide from danger in the coastal thickets.
Quail breeds
Quail breeders are always concerned with one fundamental question: which quail breed to choose for breeding at home. There are a large number of breeds and varieties. Quail productivity are divided into the following types:
- Egg.
- Meat - eggs.
- Meat.
- Decorative.
To decide which quail breed to choose, you need to understand the purpose for which they are bred. For example, to produce tasty, nutritious eggs, for ornamental purposes, or for meat production. Based on this purpose, you should choose the quail breed.
Exists many varieties of quail breeds:
English whites.- English blacks.
- Texas White Pharaoh.
- Marble.
- Virgin.
- Tuxedo.
- Californian.
- Japanese.
- Other.
English whites.English White variety The quail was developed in England. Its appearance differs significantly from the classic quail. Its plumage is white, although black speckles can be found, for example, on the head or back. The eyes of this breed are black and medium-sized. A female typically lays about 300 eggs per year.
The English Black quail has black plumage with a brown tint. A fleshy body and lush plumage are the main characteristics of this breed. The dense body flows smoothly into a long brown bill, which may also have a black spot at the tip. An adult male weighs 170 grams, and a female 200 grams. She lays about 290 eggs per year.
Texas White Pharaoh - This is a meat-producing breed of quail. They also have another name: American broiler albinotic. These birds have a broad back and a convex chest. A female of this breed weighs 400 grams, and a male 350 grams. However, while this breed is meaty, its egg production is low: approximately 150 eggs per year.
The marbled quail is considered an interesting breed. It developed from the Japanese breed. This bird lays 250–300 eggs per year. The female weighs 145 grams, and the male 120 grams.
Virginia quail can be found in the wild. Unfortunately, there are very few representatives of this breed left. A more interesting bird is the quail that belong to the tuxedo breedThe plumage of this breed is distinguished by its unusual plumage, resembling a tuxedo. Females weigh approximately 160 grams, while males are slightly smaller.
The most beautiful quail birds are those belonging to the Californian breed. They have a black crest on their heads, a gray chest and neck, and a gray-brown body with white stripes on the sides.
Quail has recently become a popular poultry choice. Many people, having learned about the benefits of the eggs and meat that can be obtained by raising this bird at home, rushed to purchase them. Some even managed to turn quail breeding into a business.
