Coturnix Corner

The "New World Quail" fall into a different family to the old world quail, they are members of the Odontophoridae family. These birds originate from the Americas and there are 32 species currently classed as New World Quail. Those kept most commonly in the UK are Bobwhite Quail and Californain Quail, although the other species are increasing in popularity with regular imports of new bloodlines.

Like Old World quail, these birds spend most of their active time on the ground hunting for food but many will roost at night.

"Old World Quail" is a term used to describe quail in the phasianidae family of birds. They originate from the Eastern hemisphere of the globe. The most commonly known of the Old World quail are the Japanese Quail, these small birds have been domesticated for over a thousand years and both eggs and birds are seen as a delicacy in many cultures.