The blue quail or African blue quail is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across sub-Saharan Africa in moist grasslands, floodplains, savannas, and agricultural fields, especially rice and millet. Prefers areas with dense, low herb cover near water and seasonally inundated grasses. Often appears after rains and may vanish when habitats dry, reflecting nomadic or seasonal movements. Uses roadside verges and fallow fields where cover is sufficient, but avoids tall, closed vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The blue quail, also called the African blue quail, is a tiny, secretive grassland quail that often moves locally with seasonal rains. Males show distinctive bluish-gray underparts that give the species its name, while females are well-camouflaged and streaked. It is sometimes confused with the Asian blue-breasted (king) quail, but the African blue quail is a separate species with a sub‑Saharan range. It frequents flooded grasses and rice paddies and flushes at very close range with a whirring, low flight.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive flush with short rapid wingbeats and low, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small coveys that keep tight to cover. Nests are shallow scrapes concealed in grass; breeding typically coincides with or follows rains. Clutches are small to moderate, and the species relies on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, with short whistles and trills given from cover, especially at dawn and dusk. Males produce simple, repetitive notes used for contact and territory during the breeding season.
Plumage
Male with smooth slaty-blue to bluish-gray underparts and chestnut-brown flanks barred darker; upperparts mottled brown for camouflage. Female strongly streaked and mottled buff and brown above with paler, barred underparts. Both sexes have short, rounded wings and compact, ball-like bodies adapted to running through grass.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and weeds, including millet and rice grains where available. Also takes a variety of small invertebrates such as termites, ants, beetles, and their larvae, especially during the wet season. Chicks rely heavily on insects for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground within dense, low vegetation of moist grasslands, wet margins, and croplands. Frequently uses edges of rice paddies, stubble, and recently flooded fields where seeds and insects are abundant.
