- general description
- appearance
- the blue-breasted quail is a small, plump bird with a rounded body and short tail.
- males are brightly colored with blue-gray upperparts, a reddish-brown breast, and a distinctive white throat and face mask.
- females are more subdued, with brown upperparts and a mottled appearance, providing good camouflage.
- both sexes have short, rounded wings and a short tail.
- size
- measures about 12-14 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 30-40 grams.
- behavior
- known for its ground-dwelling habits, often seen running through grass and underbrush rather than flying.
- generally shy and secretive, often hiding in dense vegetation when threatened.
- has a soft, whistling call and a distinctive “chip-chip-chip” sound.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across southeast asia, including india, china, indonesia, the philippines, and australia.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments including grasslands, rice paddies, wetlands, and scrublands.
- often found in areas with dense ground cover and plenty of insects.
- diet
- primarily omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, insects, and small invertebrates.
- also consumes green vegetation and fruit.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a simple nest on the ground, usually a shallow scrape lined with grass and leaves.
- nests are well-concealed in dense vegetation.
- reproduction:
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the wet season.
- female lays 5-8 eggs, which are incubated for about 16-18 days.
- chicks are precocial, meaning they are well-developed and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the blue-breasted quail is also known as the king quail or Chinese painted quail.
- despite their small size, blue-breasted quails are prolific breeders and are often kept in captivity for their attractive appearance and ease of care.
- their ability to blend into their environment with their camouflaged plumage makes them difficult to spot in the wild.