Rain Quail (Coturnix coromandelica) – A Comprehensive Study
The Rain Quail (Coturnix coromandelica) is a fascinating small game bird belonging to the Phasianidae family. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and is known for its distinctive call and cryptic plumage. This article provides a detailed overview of its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, special features, and its presence in the Sundarban ecosystem.
1. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Coturnix
Species: Coturnix coromandelica
The Rain Quail is closely related to the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) but is comparatively smaller and adapted to different environmental conditions.
2. Morphological Features
Size & Shape
Length: 15–18 cm
Weight: 65–75 grams
Compact and rounded body with relatively short wings.
Plumage & Coloration
Males: Black throat patch and bold black-and-white facial markings.
Females: More cryptic, brownish overall with speckled patterns, which provide excellent camouflage.
Both sexes have a rufous-brown back with black streaks, aiding in blending into dry grasslands.
Wings & Tail
Short, rounded wings adapted for quick bursts of flight.
The tail is stubby and often hidden under the body plumage.
Legs & Feet
Strong, short legs with three forward-facing toes, ideal for walking and scratching the ground in search of food.
3. Habitat & Distribution
General Habitat
The Rain Quail prefers dry grasslands, scrub forests, agricultural fields, and open woodlands across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is well adapted to areas with seasonal rainfall, which aligns with its name and behavior.
Geographical Range
Found across central and northern India.
Common in Deccan Plateau, Gangetic plains, and the Western Ghats.
Also spotted in Pakistan and parts of Southeast Asia.
4. Special Features & Adaptations
A. Seasonal Behavior
The Rain Quail is migratory, moving locally with monsoon patterns.
It becomes most active just before and during the rainy season, when it breeds.
B. Vocalization
The male’s call is a distinctive “wet-my-lips” sound, which becomes more frequent during the breeding season.
Calls are used for territorial marking and attracting mates.
C. Diet & Feeding Behavior
Omnivorous, feeding on:
Seeds
Small insects (termites, beetles, grasshoppers)
Tender shoots and grains
Forages mostly on the ground, scratching through leaf litter and dry grass.
D. Breeding Patterns
Breeding Season: Coincides with the monsoon (June-September).
Nest: A simple scrape on the ground, hidden in tall grass.
Eggs: 4–6 speckled eggs, camouflaged against the soil.
Incubation: About 18–20 days, primarily by the female.
5. Presence of Rain Quail in Sundarban
A. Is the Rain Quail Found in Sundarban?
The Sundarban, being a unique mangrove ecosystem, is not a primary habitat for the Rain Quail. However, sporadic sightings have been recorded in adjacent grasslands and agricultural zones near the Sundarban periphery.
B. Challenges for Rain Quail in Sundarban
Dense Mangrove Vegetation: Unlike its preferred open grassland habitat, Sundarban is dominated by thick mangrove forests, making it less suitable for ground-foraging quails.
Salinity & Tidal Influence: The high salt content and waterlogged soil make the Sundarban ecosystem less hospitable for ground-nesting birds like the Rain Quail.
Predation Risk: The presence of large predators (like the Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cats, and various raptors) poses a survival challenge.
C. Potential for Occasional Occurrence
Dry patches and agricultural lands surrounding the Sundarban could serve as a temporary refuge for the species.
Monsoon-driven dispersal may lead to occasional movement of Rain Quail into drier fringes of Sundarban during favorable conditions.
6. Conservation Status & Threats
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
Although not currently threatened, habitat destruction due to urbanization and intensive agriculture poses risks.
Major Threats
Habitat Loss: Conversion of grasslands into farmlands reduces their natural habitat.
Hunting & Poaching: In some regions, quails are trapped for food.
Pesticide Exposure: The use of agrochemicals in fields where the Rain Quail forages can be harmful.
Conclusion
The Rain Quail (Coturnix coromandelica) is a resilient and well-adapted species thriving in India’s dry grasslands and scrub habitats. While it is not a common resident of Sundarban, its presence in adjacent areas suggests occasional occurrences, especially during the monsoon-driven dispersal period. Understanding the ecological needs and movement patterns of such species can help in preserving biodiversity across varied landscapes, including the unique Sundarban ecosystem.
Sponsored by Sundarban Travel: This page is part of our efforts to promote Sundarbans wildlife conservation. To experience this incredible biodiversity firsthand, book a Sundarban tour or a Sundarban package tour with us today.
