By Neil Armitage Published on August 6, 2025

Small breeds with big personalities: Quail breeds and their uses and characteristics.

The different breeds of quail are all subtlety different

Quails are small birds that are popular among hobbyists and farmers alike. They are easy to raise, produce delicious eggs, and are low maintenance.

I settled on the A&M hybrid in the end because of their productivity but I have kept and raised most other quail breeds over the years.

Below: I have recently been raising button quail to and hatching such tiny eggs can be hard work!

It's essential to understand the different quail breeds available, their unique characteristics, and how to care for them.

Why Breed Matters:

Different quail breeds are better suited to different purposes. Some lay eggs like little feathered machines, others are meat birds with excellent feed-to-weight conversion, and some are kept simply because they’re beautiful.

If you choose the right breed for your goals, you’ll be happier—and so will the quail.

There’s a quiet thrill in watching these tiny birds thrive under your care. Each breed brings something unique: Coturnix for productivity, Bobwhites for adventure, California and Gambel’s for beauty, and Buttons for pure delight. They remind you that even small creatures can spark big joy.

All quail live for an average of five years under ideal conditions and productively lay eggs in good numbers for two to three years.

Apart from the jumbo variety which can weigh up to 10 ounces, most quails weigh between 4 and 7 ounces. Different quail breeds are raised for eggs, meat, hunting, or just as charming pets and few are dual purpose.

Here's a table of some common quail breeds and their characteristics:

Quail Breed	Characteristics
Coturnix	Small and prolific, Lays eggs year-round, Popular back yard breed, Easy to keep and look after, Medium sized eggs.
Bobwhite	Larger and hardier than Coturnix and Japanese, Native to USA and common in the wild, Make good eating and often hunted for sport, Often kept for meat production, Hens lay up to 300 good sized eggs per year, 24-27 cm (9.5- 10.5 in), Calm and easy to keep.
California	This breed is the state bird of California and is a common sight in the American West, The California quail is easily recognisable by its striking, forward-curling plume or "topknot." This breed is known for its beautiful plumage and social nature, They live in groups called coveys and are quite active. Popular for meat production, Does not lay as many eggs as some breeds.
Gambel's	Smaller and less common than other breeds, 16.5- 18 cm (6.5-7 in), Up to 50 small eggs in a season, Both sexes have a plumed crest.
Button or Chinese painted Quail	Smallest member of the quail family, Shy and delicate in temperament, Come in many colours, Popular as a song pet or for ornamental purposes.
Japanese	Smaller than Coturnix, 15- 18 cm (6-7 in), Lays up to 300 smaller eggs per year, Docile and easy to handle, Popular with backyard keepers.
Texas A&M	White-feathered variety of Coturnix, Large eggs up to 16 grams, Up to 150 eggs under ideal conditions, A little larger and good for meat production, 18-20 cm (7-8 in).
Red Range	Hybrid Quail breed with reddish-brown feathers, 8-20 cm (7-8 in), Heavy birds for it's size, up to 120 eggs per season, Good for meat and eggs.

These are just a few of the many quail breeds available, and their characteristics can vary depending on factors such as breeding, diet, and housing conditions.

Each quail breed has its unique characteristics, which include:

Appearance: The appearance of quail breeds can vary significantly. Japanese quails are small and plump, with a round body and short beak.

Below: Coturnix quails are slightly larger than Japanese quails and have a slender body with a curved beak and are probably the most commonly kept type.

Bobwhite quails have a stocky body and distinctive brown and white markings.

Behaviour: Quails are generally docile birds and are not aggressive towards humans. However, they can be skittish and easily frightened, so it's essential to handle them gently. Japanese and Coturnix quails are social birds and prefer to live in groups while Bobwhite quails are solitary birds and prefer to live alone.

Egg production: The egg production of quail breeds varies significantly. Japanese and Coturnix quails are known for their high egg production, with hens laying up to 300 eggs per year. Bobwhite quails, on the other hand, have lower egg production and are typically raised for meat.

Care requirements: Quails are low maintenance birds and require minimal care. They need a clean, dry living area, access to food and water, and protection from predators.

Japanese and Coturnix quails can be raised in a backyard or small coop, while Bobwhite quails require more space and are often raised in large aviaries.