There are several types of quail known as mountain quail, valley quail, and Virginia partridge. Perhaps the most familiar name for quail is bob-white, a name the quail has earned because of the sound of its song. This song is heard most often before rain. Many people say the quail forecasts rain and is singing, "more wet, more wet."
Quail are the size of plump robins. Their striped and mottled brown, black and white coloring is protective. They spend their lives in fields and farmlands searching for food of weed seeds and insects. They fly only on short flights and then only if suddenly frightened. About eighteen eggs are laid in ground nests. After twenty-four days, the fully-feathered babies hatch and immediately run about looking for food. Quail are sociable birds and always live together in groups called coveys. They sleep huddled in circles but always with heads pointed outward. Any unusual sound scatters them in all directions. Heavy snows and hunters are their enemies. Hunting this valuable game bird is restricted in most areas.
