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Latin name

Coturnix coturnix

Family

Partridges, quails, pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)

Overview

A small gamebird - the combination of its stocky body and long, pointed wings makes it quite distinctive. Its upperparts are brown, streaked and barred with buff, while its underparts are a warm buffy orange. Rarely seen it is more usually heard giving its distinctive 'wet-my lips' call. It is the UK's only migrant gamebird, reaching the northern fringes of the its breeding range here. It is a Red List species because of its historical decline as a UK breeding species.

Where to see them

Traditional strongholds appear to be parts of Wiltshire and Dorset, and in good years the Welsh Marches, East Anglia, low-lying parts of northern England and parts of southern Scotland can be occupied by calling birds. Very difficult to see - easier to hear, usually calling from grass or cereal fields.

When to see them

Arrives in late-April and May, staying until late summer.

What they eat

Seeds and insects

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

2 illustrations 12

Male

Female

Similar birds

Grey partridge

Red-legged partridge