We’ve all heard groups of birds being called one thing or another, but the terms we use can be different depending on the bird. Some of the most commonly known are a flock, like the song ‘flock of seagulls’. Then there are less common terms like a ‘murder of crows’, which sounds slightly scary.
What Is A Group Of Quail Called?
Quail are social creatures that live in groups, and these groups have different names depending on their size. A small group of quail is called a ‘covey‘, while a large group of quail is called a ‘bevy‘. These are the most common collective nouns for quail, but there are others used for young quail, or for groups in different states, like in flight or in season.
Why Do Quail Live In Groups?
The main reason quail live in groups is for safety in numbers. By being together, they can watch out for predators and warn each other of danger. Different sizes of group also have different advantages; for example, a large bevy can more easily find food and shelter than a small covey.
Different groups of quail have different names because of their different sizes. Coveys are the most common type of group and are typically made up of related birds. Bevies are less common and are made up of unrelated birds who have come together.
What Is A Covey Of Quail?
The term Covey generally refers to between 10 and 20 birds, but can also refer to any number under 30. Coveys are the most common type of group found in the wild, and are typically made up of related birds, such as siblings or a mother and her chicks.
The term Covey has its roots in old English and is not just used to describe small groups of quail but any small game bird, including partridges.
Japanese and Californian quail are two examples that often come together in a covey of around 20 birds.
What Is A Bevy of Quail?
A bevy of quail is a large group of birds, usually numbering in the hundreds. Bevies are less common than coveys, and are typically made up of unrelated birds who have come together for safety or to find food. While bevies can provide more safety in numbers, they can also be more difficult to care for, as there may not be enough food or shelter to go around.
Northern Bobwhites and Crested Bobwhites are two species that will often live in a bevy of more than a hundred birds.
What Is A Flock Of Quail?
A flock of quail is a group of birds that typically numbers in the hundreds. Flock is a more general term for groups of different types of birds, and with quail, can be used to describe any volume larger than a covey. In most cases it is used to describe a group in the same context as you would use the word bevy. However, it is more common to use the word flock of quail to refer to large groups when the birds are in flight.
Less Common Names For A Group Of Quail
Other names used, less frequently, regionally, and with little
- Battery of quail (farming term)
- Rout of quail (hunting term)
- Drift of quail – (used in farming/hunting)
- Shake of quail (hunting term)
- Flush of quail (usually when in flight)
What Are A Group Of Baby Quail Called?
There is no specific term for a group of baby quail, but common terms used, as with other birds include:
- A Clutch – when referring to unhatched eggs in a nest.
- A Brood – when referring to young chick hatchlings
- Chicks – when referring to young quail chicks, similar to other game birds.
Do All Quail Live In Groups?
There are many species of quail, and they don’t all like to live in groups. Some, such as the common Quail are solitary birds. Many quail that belong to the Phasianidae family – those that live in the ‘old world’, are solitary by nature, and once mated, tend to do things together with their partner as a pair. There are exceptions to this though, such as the King Quail and Japanese Quail who will often form small groups between 10-20 birds.
New world quail on the other hand, that being quail of the family Odontophoridae that live throughout the Americas, are largely social birds. The California Quail and Jungle Quail for example, spend much of their time in small groups of up to 10-30 birds. The Crested Bobwhite Quail that lives in South America is one species that lives in large flocks, into the hundreds, and are polygamous in nature.
Do Quail Have Any Problems Living In Groups?
One potential problem with living in groups is that it can lead to fighting, as different birds compete for resources or mates. However, this is typically only a problem in large bevies, as there is more competition for food and shelter. In general, quail get along well in groups and benefit from the safety and camaraderie that comes with living together.
What Are The Benefits To Quail Of Living In A Group?
Living in groups offers protection to quail from many environmental threats, particularly from predation, and the vulnerabilities from being isolated or solitary. It also offers an opportunity to find a mate. Most quail are monogamous and, once mated, will move away from the group with their partner, only coming together to feed with the larger group. Some however, like the Bobwhite, will remain in the group, taking many partners.
Facts About Groups Of Quail
- Most quail are monogamous and once mated, will break away from the group other than to feed.
- Quail can have as many as 15-18 eggs in a hatch
- A flock of quail can reach between 30-40 mph in flight.
- Only a few species are migratory, most groups of quail live in the same area for most of their lives.
- Quails are more likely to live in flocks during mating season or during the winter months