The solitary common quail (Coturnix coturnix), or European quail, is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is known for its distinctive call – three repeated chirps – and tendency to hide rather than fly. Despite its preference for the ground, it is a migratory bird – primarily breeding in Europe, including the UK, before migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. It feeds on seeds and insects in a variety of habitats, primarily preferring farmland and grassland, especially areas with dense herbage and good cover for nesting and hiding.
