How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

Quail guards their shallow ground nest, built from dried plants and grass. 8 to 13 eggs are incubated, while the male defends the surrounding territory. (SPA)

• Quails migrate through Saudi Arabia each year, linking continents, ecosystems, and traditions
• Long tied to Saudi heritage, quails are now under threat, prompting renewed focus on conservation

JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.

They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region’s heritage.

“Quail” is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News.

Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,” said Tatwany. “They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.”

These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year.

“This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,” Tatwany added.

Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: “They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,” said Tatwany.

Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night.

Saudi Arabia’s geography places it on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region’s biodiversity.

Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, “indicating their presence in the area” to other birds.

“They do not flush except when approached very closely,” he said. “If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.”

Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species.

“In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,” said Tatwany.

The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail.

“In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,” said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom’s ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts.

The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia.

“This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,” said Tatwany. “It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.”

The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. “It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,” said Tatwany.

Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks.

A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later.

Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds.

Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically.

DID YOU KNOW?

Quails live in “coveys,” social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands.

They respond to each other’s calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices.

Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy.

While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production.

“This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,” said Tatwany. “The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons.

“This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.”

Quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. (AFP photo)

Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment.

In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks.

Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table.

Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands.

By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s avian biodiversity.