Indian Quails are small sized poultry birds and are farmed in huge numbers in India. These are rotund and short-tailed granivorous birds looking like miniature partridges. They belong to the kingdom, Animalia; phylum, Chordata; class, Aves; order, Galliformes and families, Phasianidae and Odontophoridae. These birds are very small in size and feed on seeds, insects and small prey. They dwell on the ground and are able to fly short distances. However, some of the species are migratory and can fly long distances. They spend their time hidden in crops and grassland or bushes in scattered pairs or coveys. They are seldom seen, except when accidentally flushed or put up by beaters for sport. When attacked, quails fly low over the crops and soon dive into the cover again. Bush Quails have a disconcerting habit of squatting. They are huddled together under a bush, until almost stepped upon. The covey then explodes with a startling whirl. The individual quails then disperse in all directions.
Types of Quails
Along with the Bush Quail, two most common quail species in India namely, the Grey Quail and the Rain Quail are prized as game birds. They are mostly resident, but in winter a vast influx of migrant Grey Quails from northern countries augments the local population. Other types of quails found in India are Himalayan Quail, Rock Bush Quail, Painted Bush Quail, Common Quail and Japanese Quail. Himalayan Quail has been traced in the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, north-west India and Mussoorie. Rock Bush Quail has been recorded in parts of peninsular India. Painted Bush Quail has been traced in hill forests of India.
Threats to Quails and their Conservation
Few years ago, large number of quails were netted by professional poachers and openly sold in markets and restaurants. The present game laws have curbed the practice somewhat, but dangerous drop in the population of quails has been recorded.
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