Bobwhite Quail Vs Coturnix Quail – A Comparison Between These Breeds!
If you prefer to keep quails for any sort of purpose, there are two popular types – the Bobwhite and the Coturnix quail. Each has its own special qualities, making them great for different needs.
When the debate is about Bobwhite Quail vs Coturnix Quail, there are important things to think about. The Coturnix quail grows up faster and starts laying eggs at 6-8 weeks, while Bobwhite takes 16-18 weeks. Coturnix quail also lays more eggs in their lifetime.
Let’s explore the differences between Bobwhite and Coturnix quail to help you choose the perfect friend. Whether it’s for pets or for poultry purposes, you can choose yours after reading the article.
Table of Contents
Bobwhite Quail Vs Coturnix Quail – A Quick Overview
Here is a quick overview of these two quail breeds. You may expect to know more, so I included the discussions right after the table.
| Feature | Bobwhite Quail | Coturnix Quail |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Larger | Smaller |
| Brown with a white belly and throat | Brown with black belly and throat | |
| Distinctive “bob-white” call | Less vocal | |
| Personality | Active, flighty, excellent escape artists | Calmer, docile, and adaptable to smaller enclosures |
| Purpose | Hunting, breeding, sport, ornamental | Eggs, meat, ornamental, pet |
| Egg Production | 12-18 eggs per clutch (less frequent laying) | 8-10 eggs per clutch (Every two days) |
| Larger eggs | Smaller eggs, but Jumbo Coturnix has the largest eggs | |
| Natural incubation | May need incubator | |
| Meat | Lean, good for game birds | Higher fat content, better for roasting |
| Ornamental | Striking plumage, unique call | Smaller, quieter, less demanding |
| Pet | Requires larger space and more experienced owner | Adaptable to beginners, quieter |
| Cold Tolerance | Hardy and tolerates cold weather | Less tolerant of cold and requires shelter |
Appearance: What Distinguishes Bobwhite Quail and Coturnix Quail?
Bobwhite and Coturnix quail may look similar at first. However, there are clear differences in how they appear.
Bobwhite Quail:
Here are all the facts related to Bobwhite Quail’s appearance –
- Size: They are a bit bigger than Coturnix, around 7-9 inches long.
- Plumage: Mostly brown with a standout white belly and throat.
- Markings: Fancy black stripes on their face, like eyeliner.
- Call: They make a unique “bob-white” sound, giving them their name.
Coturnix Quail:
- Size: Smaller than Bobwhite, about 6-8 inches long.
- Plumage: Mostly brown, but with a black belly and throat for a more even look.
- Markings: Not as noticeable facial stripes as Bobwhite.
- Call: They don’t make as many sounds as Bobwhite, creating a quieter atmosphere.
Personality And Temperament: What Are The Differences Among Bobwhite and Coturnix Quails?
Personality and temperament matter a lot when picking the right Quail for your purpose. It ensures easy keeping, so here is what you need to know –
Bobwhite Quail:
- Active and Energetic: These lively birds are always full of energy, exploring around and moving from place to place.
- Alert and Flighty: They’re quick to notice anything that might be a danger and can fly away fast to stay safe.
- Escape Artists: Bobwhite quail are clever at finding ways to get out of their enclosures if they can.
- Independent and Vocal: Independent and vocal, they can be friendly with other quail. However, they usually prefer doing their own thing and like to talk using their special sounds.
Coturnix Quail:
- Calm and Docile: These quail are more relaxed and peaceful compared to Bobwhite quail. They enjoy their time foraging and watching everything around them.
- Adaptable and Easygoing: Coturnix quail is adaptable and easygoing. They can easily get used to different places, even smaller ones. This makes them good for people just starting with quail.
- Less Vocal: They don’t make as many or as loud sounds as Bobwhite quail, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
- Social and Curious: Coturnix quail likes being around others, forming small groups, and playing together.
Related Reading: About Button Quail vs. Coturnix Quail
Quail And Their 4 Purpose: Which One is Better Between Bobwhite and Coturnix Quail?
Both Bobwhite and Coturnix quail are charming. However, they have different qualities that suit various purposes. Let’s look at how they differ in important areas:
1. Egg Production
The Coturnix breed tops in egg production because they can lay 8-10 eggs every 2 days. Bobwhite, on the other hand, lays 12-18 eggs per clutch but less often than Coturnix.
Bobwhite quails can lay around 300 eggs, whereas Coturnix lays between 200 and 300 eggs a year. When they mature, egg production gets lessened.
Anyway, Coturnix quails are known to have smaller eggs than Bobwhite quails. But Jumbo Coturnix Quail is different here. They have the largest eggs among all quail breeds.
See the video to know the differences in the quail eggs.
2. Meat Purpose
Bobwhite offers leaner meat that is great for games and has a firm and flavorful texture. Compared to Bobwhite, Coturnix has a higher fat content, which is suitable for richer-flavored dishes.
According to poultry experts, Coturnix matures twice as fast as Bobwhite. Also, Bobwhite has white meat, whereas Coturnix has dark meat. However, its smaller size may not provide enough meat for some uses.
3. Ornamental Purpose
Bobwhites have a striking appearance, and distinctive calls make them captivating in aviaries or backyards. Where the Coturnix quail breed is adaptable to smaller ornamental settings. This is due to their smaller size and calm nature. They have a quiet demeanor.
4. As a Pet
The Bobwhite breed is active, and they need more space. It is better suited for experienced owners due to their flighty nature. Their vocalizations might be a concern in some settings.
On the other hand, Coturnix is calm, adapts to small spaces, and is quieter. So, they’ll be ideal for beginner pet owners.
Cold Tolerance: Which One Will Win Between Bobwhite and Coturnix Quail?
Bobwhite and Coturnix quail handle cold weather differently, making them better suited for specific climates.
Bobwhite Quail:
- These native birds from North America can handle very cold temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures as low as single digits Fahrenheit (-17°C).
- Their feathers are thicker, which keeps them warmer by holding in body heat better.
- Over time, Bobwhite quail has learned to deal with harsh winters. They find shelter and huddle together for warmth.
Coturnix Quail:
- Coturnix quail is not very tolerant of cold temperatures. They struggle, especially when it’s below freezing (0°C).
- The feathers aren’t as thick as Bobwhites. This means they offer less protection from the cold.
- In freezing conditions, their combs and wattles are at risk of getting frostbite. The combs and wattles are fleshy structures on their head.
Bobwhite Quail Vs. Coturnix Quail: Which One is to Pick?
The best choice depends on what you need and like. Think about your space, experience, goals, and noise tolerance.
Here’s my suggestion:
Why Choose Bobwhite Quail?
- If you want a bird for hunting or breeding.
- When you have a big space for their active lifestyle.
- You like leaner meat.
- Living in a colder place.
Why Choose Coturnix Quail?
- You want a bird for eggs or meat.
- For having limited space.
- As a beginner who wants a calm bird.
- You like smaller eggs laid more often.
- When living in a warmer place.
Check this video to get more facts about Bobwhite Quail and Cotunix Quail.
Summarization
Choosing between Bobwhite Quail Vs Coturnix Quail depends on your individual needs. Bobwhites thrive in colder climates, offer leaner meat, and excel in hunting and breeding. They require larger spaces and experienced owners due to their active nature.
Coturnix is perfect for beginners and smaller spaces. This breed also offers frequent egg production and quieter personalities. They are the better choice for meat and ornamental purposes. But surely you require warmer climates and supplemental heat. So, the pick options are in your hands!
