Harlequin Quail

Harlequin Quail (Coturnix delegorguei)

The Harlequin quail (Latin: Coturnix delegorguei) is a bird of the tribe Coturnicini in the family Phasianidae. Body length ranges from 16 to 19 cm. Males weigh 49–81 g, females 63–94 g. Males have a striking black-and-white pattern on the head and throat, with a white throat marked by a black anchor-shaped design. Females have inconspicuous brown plumage.

Distribution

The Harlequin quail is found in tropical Africa south of the Sahara, on Madagascar, and in southern Arabia. Its habitat includes open grasslands and agricultural areas with low vegetation.

Diet

Its diet primarily consists of grass seeds, as well as arthropods such as grasshoppers, beetles, bugs, ants, termites, millipedes, and small snails.