How to identify the Rain Quail

To correctly identify the Rain Quail (Coturnix coromandelica), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

15-18 cm

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

60-80 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pale flesh to yellowish-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

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

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   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.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

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

Explore the Rain Quail