Quail - Coturnix coturnix

Length: 16 to 18 cm. Wingspan: 32 to 35 cm. Quail are distinctive due to the combination of their stocky bodies and long, pointed wings. Their upperparts are brown, streaked and barred with buff, while their underparts are a warm buffy orange. Quail are rarely seen and are more often heard giving a distinctive “wet-my-lips” call.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Farmland and grassland.

Quail arrive in late April and May, staying until late summer.

Quail feed on seeds and insects. Their breeding range reaches as far north as the UK, where they are the only migrant species of the Phasianidae family.

Widespread in Britain, but due to their historical decline, quail are on the Amber List - however they are now in partial recovery. They are also listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Infrequently recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.