How to Determine the Sex of a Quail

There are 2 kinds of quail. The American variety is a small bird that lives in flocks or "coveys," while the Old World variety is larger and a member of the pheasant family. Old World quail should be sexed using pheasant gender identification methods. The following covers gender identification of the American variety, native to the western United States and parts of northern Mexico. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Look at the quail's plumage. Quail are a bright blue color with black and white markings on their body. Drab green feathers on the head and neck area generally indicate a female of the species. However, recent university-level research has brought this belief into question and demonstrated that some males may have olive feathers and vice versa.

2. Compare quails' plumes. A female exhibits a shorter plume (the curved structure on the top of the head). This is most easily determined in comparison to a male.

3. Use behavioral factors to determine gender. Quail group in large coveys during most of the year. Males in the flock will take turns watching over the flock from a high vantage point, such as a fence, tree or rooftop.

4. Watch brooding behavior during mating season. The birds pair off and the female of the pair builds the nest and feed the offspring. The male observes his mate as she cares for the brood.

Tips & Warnings

• Recent research indicates that quail are very difficult to sex and scientists have even resorted to obtaining blood DNA to determine gender in studies.