Partridge vs. Quail — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
A partridge is a plump, ground-dwelling bird known for not flying high, while a quail is a small, migratory bird, often with distinctive plumes.
Difference Between Partridge and Quail
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Partridges are non-migratory birds, often found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Quails, conversely, are known for their migratory patterns, especially in North America.
Typically, partridges are larger and have a rounder body. Quails are smaller with a distinctive head plume that partridges lack.
In terms of habitat, partridges prefer open country and woodland. Quails, however, are more adaptable and can be found in various environments.
Partridges are known for their inability to fly high or for long distances. Quails have better flying capabilities, though they also prefer to stay on the ground.
Partridges are often a symbol of festive meals in European cultures. Quails, on the other hand, are more associated with their calls and quick movements.
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Comparison Chart
Migration
Non-migratory
Migratory
Size
Larger, rounder
Smaller, with plumes
Habitat
Open country, woodland
Various, adaptable
Flying Ability
Low, short-distance
Better, but ground-preferred
Cultural Symbolism
Festive meals
Calls, quick movements
Compare with Definitions
Partridge
A ground-dwelling game bird, often found in Europe and Asia.
The partridge was spotted foraging in the underbrush.
Quail
A bird known for its quick movements and ability to fly short distances.
The quail swiftly escaped into the bushes.
Partridge
A bird known for not flying high, belonging to several genera.
Partridges are often seen running rather than flying.
Quail
A bird from the pheasant family, smaller and more adaptable than partridges.
Quails adapted well to the new environment.
Partridge
A plump bird, often hunted for sport or food.
He went hunting for partridges in the countryside.
Quail
A small, migratory game bird with a distinctive head plume.
A group of quails was seen migrating at dawn.
Partridge
A symbol in various cultures, often associated with rural life.
The partridge in the pear tree is a popular Christmas song reference.
Quail
A bird often kept for its eggs and meat.
Quail eggs are considered a delicacy in many cuisines.
Partridge
A member of the pheasant family, with a short tail and stout build.
The partridge's stout build makes it easily recognizable.
Quail
A symbol of fertility and abundance in various cultures.
Quail imagery is often used in art to represent abundance.
Partridge
The species of partridge is any member of a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all medium-sized non-migratory birds, with a wide native distribution throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are sometimes grouped in the Perdicinae subfamily of the Phasianidae (pheasants, quail, etc.).
Quail
Quail is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized birds generally placed in the order Galliformes. Old World quail are placed in the family Phasianidae, and New World quail are placed in the family Odontophoridae.
Partridge
Any of various plump-bodied game birds of several genera in the family Phasianidae, native to Eurasia and Africa and introduced elsewhere.
Quail
Any of various primarily ground-dwelling birds of the genus Coturnix, especially C. coturnix, small in size and having mottled brown plumage and a short tail. Also called coturnix.
Partridge
Any of several game birds, such as the ruffed grouse or the bobwhite, similar to a partridge.
Quail
Any of various similar or related birds of the Americas, such as the bobwhite or the California quail.
Partridge
(ornithology) Any bird of a number of genera in the family Phasianidae, notably in the genera Perdix and Alectoris.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree.
Quail
To shrink back in fear; cower.
Partridge
A type of cannon charge composed of several missiles fired all together, similar to langrage or case-shot. Also a large cannon that shoots stones.
Quail
(intransitive) To waste away; to fade, to wither.
Partridge
Any one of numerous species of small gallinaceous birds of the genus Perdix and several related genera of the family Perdicidæ, of the Old World. The partridge is noted as a game bird.
Full many a fat partrich had he in mew.
Quail
To daunt or frighten (someone).
Partridge
Any one of several species of quail-like birds belonging to Colinus, and allied genera.
Quail
(intransitive) To lose heart or courage; to be daunted or fearful.
Partridge
The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus).
Quail
(intransitive) Of courage, faith, etc.: to slacken, to give way.
Partridge
Flesh of either quail or grouse
Quail
(obsolete) To curdle or coagulate, as milk does.
Partridge
Heavy-bodied small-winged South American game bird resembling a gallinaceous bird but related to the ratite birds
Quail
Any of various small game birds of the genera Coturnix, Anurophasis or Perdicula in the Old World family Phasianidae or of the New World family Odontophoridae.
Partridge
Small Old World gallinaceous game birds
Quail
(uncountable) The meat from this bird eaten as food.
Partridge
A popular North American game bird; named for its call
Quail
(obsolete) A prostitute, so called because the quail was thought to be a very amorous bird.
Partridge
Valued as a game bird in eastern United States and Canada
Quail
To die; to perish; hence, to wither; to fade.
Quail
To become quelled; to become cast down; to sink under trial or apprehension of danger; to lose the spirit and power of resistance; to lose heart; to give way; to shrink; to cower.
The atheist power shall quail, and confess his fears. I. Taylor.Stouter hearts than a woman's have quailed in this terrible winter.
Quail
To cause to fail in spirit or power; to quell; to crush; to subdue.
Quail
To curdle; to coagulate, as milk.
Quail
Any gallinaceous bird belonging to Coturnix and several allied genera of the Old World, especially the common European quail (Coturnix communis), the rain quail (Coturnix Coromandelica) of India, the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis), and the Australian swamp quail (Synoicus australis).
Quail
Any one of several American partridges belonging to Colinus, Callipepla, and allied genera, especially the bobwhite (called Virginia quail, and Maryland quail), and the California quail (Calipepla Californica).
Quail
Any one of numerous species of Turnix and allied genera, native of the Old World, as the Australian painted quail (Turnix varius). See Turnix.
Quail
A prostitute; - so called because the quail was thought to be a very amorous bird.
Quail
Flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised
Quail
Small gallinaceous game birds
Quail
Draw back, as with fear or pain;
She flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf
Common Curiosities
Are quails migratory birds?
Yes, quails are known for their migratory patterns.
What is a partridge?
A partridge is a plump, ground-dwelling game bird, often found in Europe and Asia.
What is a quail?
A quail is a small, migratory game bird with a distinctive head plume.
Where do partridges typically live?
Partridges prefer open country and woodlands.
Do partridges migrate?
No, partridges are typically non-migratory birds.
Can partridges fly well?
No, partridges are known for their limited flying abilities.
What's the size difference between a partridge and a quail?
Partridges are generally larger and rounder, while quails are smaller with distinctive plumes.
Is hunting partridges popular?
Yes, partridges are often hunted for sport and food.
What are quail eggs like?
Quail eggs are small, often considered a delicacy.
What family do both birds belong to?
Both partridges and quails belong to the pheasant family.
Are partridges part of any cultural symbolism?
Yes, partridges are symbols of festive meals and rural life in some cultures.
What does a quail's call sound like?
Quail calls are distinctive, often described as clear and melodic.
Do partridges and quails have different flying capabilities?
Yes, quails can fly better than partridges but both prefer staying on the ground.
Can quails adapt to different habitats?
Yes, quails are adaptable and can thrive in various environments.
Are quails hunted like partridges?
Yes, quails are also hunted, but they are more known for their eggs and meat.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
