The Water Economy of Stubble Quail, Coturnix Pectoralis, and King Quail, Coturnix Chinensis.

Abstract

Stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) occur in some of the driest regions of Australia and king quail, (Coturnix chinensis) occur naturally in more mesic areas. Both species require a source of water other than dry seed, but stubble quail have about one-tenth the minimum water requirement of king quail. Stubble quail cope better with saline drinking and water deprivation than do king quail, and are able to utilize succulent food as a water source. The proportionately greater amount of medullary tissue in the kidneys of stubble quail correlates with an increased ability to concentrate urine. The histology of the lower gut of both species suggests that post-renal modification of urine is an important aspect of their water economy.