King Quail (Button Quail)

Origins & History

The King Quail (Excalfactoria chinensis), also widely known in New Zealand and globally as the Button Quail or Chinese Painted Quail, is the smallest species of true quail in the world. Native to wide areas of Asia and northern Australia, they inhabit dense, wet grasslands. Reaching a tiny size of only 12 to 14 cm, they are famously smaller than a standard chicken egg when hatched. Because of their tiny size, quiet calls, and ease of breeding, they are incredibly popular aviary floor birds in New Zealand.

The Perfect Aviary Clean-up Companion

In New Zealand, King Quails are rarely kept as handleable house pets; instead, they serve a vital function in outdoor aviaries: - **Aviary Floor Cleaners:** As ground-dwelling birds, they occupy the very bottom layer of the aviary. They spend their days foraging, scratching, and consuming seeds dropped by finches, budgies, or canaries housed in the upper levels. This clean-up behaviour significantly reduces wasted seed and prevents pests (like mice) from being attracted to the aviary floor. - **Peaceful Cohabitation:** They are exceptionally peaceful and can be safely housed alongside smaller, non-aggressive species. For example, they make excellent cage mates for Gouldian Finches or Zebra Finches, which occupy the upper branches and leaves. To read general aviary mixing tips, check the [SPCA NZ bird care advice](https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-birds). - **Social Setup:** King Quails should always be kept in pairs (one male, one female) or small trios. Keeping multiple males together will trigger territorial fighting. They are shy and require low ground cover, such as tussocks, dry grass, or hollow logs, to hide when startled.

Diet & Nutrition

While they clean up dropped seed, King Quails still require a complete, balanced diet to thrive. - **Base Diet:** Dropped seeds must be supplemented with a high-protein gamebird starter or specialized quail crumble. - **Foraging & Greens:** They relish finely chopped greens (spinach, chicory), grated carrots, and small live food such as mealworms. - **Breeding Diet:** Laying females require high calcium levels. Ensure fine grit and crushed eggshells are always accessible on the aviary floor.

For details on the colourful finches that often share their aviaries, you can read our [Gouldian Finch guide](/birds/species/gouldian-finch).

Temperament & Handling

King Quails are naturally shy, skittish, and easily startled. If scared, they have a defense mechanism called 'flushing', where they fly straight up at high speed. In low aviaries, this can cause head injuries, so soft mesh tops or low aviary roofs padded with foam are recommended. They do not enjoy being held or petted. They are ornamental, fascinating birds to observe as they forage on the ground, making soft, piping calls.