In captivity, quail are easy to grow. Even though common poultry diseases affect them, they are somewhat resistant. The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), also known as the Virginia quail or (in its home range) bobwhite quail, is a ground-dwelling bird native to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, with introduced populations elsewhere in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.It is a member of the group of species known as New World quails (Odontophoridae). The simple platform extends the life of the blocks by doubling its normal lifespan. The species inhabits remote mountainous areas typically covered with dense shrubs such as chaparral. Its stiffly accented Chi-ca-go call is a common sound of the chaparral and other brushy areas of California and the Northwest. The most popularly domesticated breed, Japanese quail, mature about six weeks after hatching. It has adapted rather well to the increasing human population, and is often found around well-wooded suburbs and even large city parks. The Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix, is a small (21 - 23 cm) rotund bird, essentially streaked brown with a white eyestripe, and, in the male, a black chin. Japanese quail mature in about 6 weeks and are usually in full egg production by 50 days of age. There are many reasons people are falling for the quail, and whether you live in the city or the country, you may have the perfect location for a few of these little feathered friendsâbecause, well, you can pretty much take them anywhere due to their compact size.. Quail are actually a part of the pheasant family, along with partridges (another small game bird that is often confused with quail). The plump Japanese quail is one of the favorite types of game birds, offering its delicious meat for a sumptuous meal. California Quail live in coveys at most seasons, and are often seen strutting across clearings, nodding their heads at each step. Rarely seen, and most often detected by maleâs emphatic whistled Life expectancy is only 2 to 2½ years. As befits its migratory nature, it has long wings, unlike most typically short-winged gamebirds. It is an elusive bird of western scrub and highlandsâeasy to hear but difficult to see. With proper care, hens should lay 200 eggs in their first year of lay. However, wild quail are often pursued by hunters in the southeastern United States. Other quail species are more limited in their numbers, range, and habitat. Other common names for the Gambelâs Quail are Arizona quail, desert quail, and valley quail. Small pear-shaped gamebird. Common name Common quail Synonyms Coturnix corturnix Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits Maximum longevity 14.6 years (wild) Source ref. Breeds in taller grassland and grain fields from western Europe east to central Asia and winters in similar habitat in Africa, southern Europe, and South Asia. ). Another indicator of age is the loss of quails on the back by quail, but this fact should be taken into account only if the quails are properly tended and fully fed. This used to be a common means of catching quails in some parts of Asia by placing a female in a cage and trapping the male as soon as it responded to the call. A plump bird patterned in gray, white, and chestnut, the Mountain Quail sports a dramatic head plume like an exclamation point on its head. This sharply-marked bird with the curving topknot is common along the California coast and in a few other areas of the west. Quail Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan. They are affected by common poultry diseases but are fairly disease resistant. The California Quail is a handsome, round soccer ball of a bird with a rich gray breast, intricately scaled underparts, and a curious, forward-drooping head plume. An aging quail can be distinguished from a young one in appearance. In older quails, the claws and the beak are longer. For mating, the female bird may call out to attract a male.