Common Quail song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Quail, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The most characteristic vocalization is the male's advertising call, a distinctive, rhythmic 'wet-my-lips' or 'quick-quick-quick' call, often transcribed as 'whit-whit-whit' or 'quip-quip-quip'. It is a three-note phrase, repeated continuously, especially at dawn and dusk.

Calls

Various contact calls, alarm calls, and soft clucking sounds are used. Females have a softer, more guttural 'whirr-whirr' or 'prrrip' call, particularly when flushed or with chicks. Alarm calls are sharp 'chick-chick' notes.

When they vocalize

Males call frequently during the breeding season, from late spring to mid-summer, primarily at dawn, dusk, and sometimes throughout the night. Calls are less frequent outside the breeding season.

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