Japanese quail

A small galliform bird (family Phasianidae) native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Russia). Adults weigh 90–150 g with a body length of 17–20 cm—much smaller than chickens. Males have a reddish-brown breast and black chin; females are mottled brown with a lighter, streaked breast. They have a rotund body, short tail, and short rounded wings. They inhabit grasslands, croplands, and steppe. Omnivorous ground-feeders, eating seeds, grain, and insects. They are highly prolific in captivity—hens can begin laying at 6 weeks of age and produce 200–300 eggs per year. Their short generation time (~6–8 weeks), small size, and high egg production make them a popular avian model organism for genetics, endocrinology, behavior, and toxicology research. They are also raised commercially for eggs and meat, particularly in Japan. Domesticated approximately 900 years ago in Japan. Eggs are a delicacy in many Asian cuisines. Gestation: 17-day incubation period. Lifespan: 2–5 years. The genome has been sequenced (2n=78). IUCN: Near Threatened (wild populations declining due to habitat loss).