Rain Quail

About

The Rain Quail (Coturnix coromandelica) is a small, ground-dwelling bird belonging to the pheasant family. It is known for its cryptic plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its grassy habitats. Males are distinctly marked, especially during the breeding season, while females are more uniformly mottled brown. They are primarily insectivorous and granivorous, foraging on the ground. This species is largely migratory in parts of its range, moving in response to rainfall and breeding opportunities.

Size & lifespan

Length

15-18 cm

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

60-80 g

Lifespan

2-3 years in the wild

Diet

Omnivore (primarily granivorous and insectivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Males in breeding plumage have a distinctive black and white facial pattern, including a black throat patch and a white supercilium. The crown is dark brown with a pale central stripe. Upperparts are dark brown, streaked and barred with rufous and black, with pale shaft streaks. Underparts are whitish with fine black barring on the flanks. Females are generally duller, lacking the prominent facial markings, with buffy underparts streaked with black. Both sexes have short, rounded wings and a very short tail.

Beak shape

Short, conical, and stout; dark grey to blackish.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Pale flesh to yellowish-brown.

Distinguishing features

Male's striking black and white facial pattern, particularly the black throat and white cheek patches. Female's overall mottled brown appearance with fine streaking on underparts. Small size and terrestrial habits.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally duller, with less distinct markings and finer streaking on the underparts.

Seasonal changes

Males exhibit more vibrant and contrasting black and white facial markings during the breeding season. Non-breeding males may have duller facial patterns, sometimes resembling females more closely, though typically retaining some indication of the black throat patch.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are more brightly patterned with distinct black and white facial markings and a black throat. Females are cryptically colored, predominantly mottled brown with streaking on the underparts, lacking the bold facial patterns.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Facial Pattern

   Look for the striking black throat patch, bordered by white, and a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow stripe). This is the most definitive field mark for males.

2. 2

   Female Plumage

   Observe the overall mottled brown upperparts and buffy underparts with fine, dark streaking. The lack of bold facial markings distinguishes her from the male.

3. 3

   Vocalization

   Listen for the distinctive, repetitive 'whit-whit-whit' or 'pick-wick-wick' call, especially during the monsoon season. This call is often the first indication of its presence.

4. 4

   Behavior when flushed

   If disturbed, it will typically run through dense cover. If it flies, it will be a low, fast, whirring flight for a short distance before dropping back into vegetation.

5. 5

   Habitat

   Focus your search in dense grasslands, agricultural fields (especially rice, wheat, sugarcane), and areas with good ground cover.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Grasslands, cultivated fields, scrubland, open country with scattered bushes.

Geographic range

Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia (Myanmar).

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with tall grasses, cereal crops (e.g., rice, wheat), sugarcane fields, and other dense ground cover that provides both food and concealment. Often found near water sources.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Forages on the ground, primarily feeding on small seeds of grasses and weeds, grains, and insects (such as grasshoppers, beetles, and their larvae). They scratch and peck at the ground to uncover food.

Social behavior

Typically solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season. Outside of breeding, they may form small, loose coveys, especially during migration or in areas with abundant food.

Flight pattern

Reluctant to fly, preferring to run and hide in dense vegetation. When flushed, they burst into a rapid, whirring flight for a short distance before dropping back into cover. Flight is low and direct.

Migration pattern

Partially migratory. Northern populations in India and Pakistan migrate south during winter, while southern populations are largely resident. Movements are often influenced by rainfall patterns, with birds moving to areas with recent rain and fresh vegetation.

Territoriality

Males are territorial during the breeding season, defending their breeding grounds with calls and occasional aggressive displays towards other males.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Primarily during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, varying geographically with rainfall.

Nesting habits

Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, well-concealed within dense grass or crop fields. Lined with grass stems and leaves.

Clutch size

4-8 eggs, occasionally up to 10.

Egg description

Eggs are pale buff to yellowish-white, often speckled or blotched with reddish-brown or purplish-grey. They are oval-shaped.

Incubation period

16-18 days.

Fledging period

Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, able to feed themselves. They fledge (become capable of sustained flight) within 14-21 days.

Parental care

Primarily by the female, though the male may remain in the vicinity of the nest and assist in guarding the young.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for calls. The Rain Quail is more often heard than seen. Learn its distinctive call and listen for it, especially at dawn and dusk during the breeding season.
2. Walk slowly and carefully. They are very secretive. Walk slowly through suitable habitat, pausing frequently to listen and scan the ground. They will often flush from very close range.
3. Use binoculars. Even if you flush one, it will likely drop back into cover quickly. Binoculars can help you get a quick view before it disappears.
4. Look after rain. Their activity, especially calling, increases significantly after rainfall, which triggers breeding.

Similar species

Quick facts

Primary Habitat:

Grasslands and cultivated fields

Distinctive Feature (Male):

Black throat patch and white facial markings

Breeding Season:

Monsoon (June-September)

Call:

Loud 'whit-whit-whit' or 'pick-wick-wick'

Flight:

Short, rapid, whirring bursts

Fun facts

• The Rain Quail gets its name from its strong association with the monsoon season, during which it breeds and is most vocal.
• Despite its small size, the male's call is surprisingly loud and can carry over considerable distances, especially on still mornings.
• Like many quails, it is highly camouflaged and can be incredibly difficult to spot even when you know it's present, often only revealing itself when almost stepped upon.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Galliformes

Family

Phasianidae

Genus

Coturnix

Species

Coturnix coromandelica

Explore the Rain Quail