Harlequin quail

Introduction: The Harlequin quail (Coturnix delegorguei) operate in scattered bush cover of open grassland, in particular where large seeds are in abundance. Along watercourses is another favoured area. The African Goshawk is a known predator.

Distribution: Irregularly scattered through central and northern Namibia, especially in Etosha extending east to Tsumkwe, the Caprivi, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi National Park and Chobe National Park.

Diet: Invertebrates such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, termites, bugs and small snails. They also eat seeds of grasses and weeds.

Description: This small, short legged gamebird has short and rounded wings and are usually found in family groups or flocks. They are a nomadic species as opposed to migratory and are often attracted to lights with many being stunned or killed by flying into buildings.

Breeding: Females lay between 4 and 8 eggs in a grassland nest in peaked rainy season periods. Incubation periods are from 14 to 18 days and eggs may be moved to a new nesting site if disturbed.

Size: 16 to 19cm.

Weight: 80g.