Chinese dwarf quail

Distribution: Australia and parts of Asia

Size: Up to 12 cm long

Food: Insects, seeds and various grasses

Lifespan: About 2 years in the wild

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The Chinese pygmy quail is classed as the world's smallest fowl. It grows to about 12 cm long and weighs about 30 - 40 grams. Dwarf quails are terrestrial birds and thrive in areas with open terrain. They feed on insects, seeds and various grasses. Chinese pygmy quails can fly short distances but prefer to stay on the ground. One of the most remarkable features of Chinese pygmy quails is their plumage. Males usually have a more striking plumage than females, with a palette of colors that can include shades of brown, white, black, and blue. Female plumage is usually more subdued to provide camouflage and protection when incubating eggs. Chinese pygmy quails are also known for their characteristic and sonorous calls that sound like small whistles.

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