Chinese Blue Breasted "Button" Quail
Chinese Blue Breasted Quail, Excalfactoria chinensis, are the smallest, yet, most misunderstood little quail in the wold. They are part of the Old World Quail, just like the Coturnix japonica and the African Harlequin (Coturnix delegorguei).
Most refer the quail to “Button” Quail because of their coined being “cute as a button. ” When Chinese Blue Breasted quail hatch, they are as small as a button. Although many call these little birds Button Quail, they are not true Button Quail, as True Button Quail have 3 toes and lack a hind toe.
It is recommended to house these little quail in pairs, as they do get territorial. Our good friend and mentor, Jodi McDonald wrote a A Closer Look at “Button Quail”
Chinese Blue Breasted Quail are a wonderful quail for those wanting pets or to breed. They are very small, therefore are usually used as bottom dwellers in the aviary. Many house them with finches and smaller birds.
Chinese Blue Breasted "Button" Quail Varieties
Chinese Blue Breasted Quail come in many varieties. Other than a few colors, Males and females can be sexed when they are adults. Most males will have a bib on their face and red vent feathers. They are also very brightly colored in plumage. Female are still beautiful but they are less brightly colored and more camouflaged with their surroundings.
