( HO ) 
THE BLACK-BREASTED OR RAIN QUAIL. 
Coturnix Coromandelica. Native names, same as for the Grey Quail. 
Habitat .—Widely distributed throughout India, Assam, Pegu and Burma. 
Description. —Male—upper plumage, wings and tail mixed black, brown, 
grey and rufous with distinct yellow streaks. First ten wing quills plain brown, 
on both webs. Crown blackish, mottled with brown, yellow band down 
centre ; white band over each eye ; chin and throat black. A white and then a 
black gorget succeeds this. Sides of the neck russet brown; breast, black; 
belly, pale buff. 
Female—very similar to female of Grey Quail, its chief distinction being 
the pale brown colour of the outer web of the first ten wing quills. Length, 7 
inches; wing, 3J inches ; tail, 1 \ inch ; legs, pink ; irides, brown ; bill, bluish 
green. Weight, 3 oz. 
It is invariably found in open grass and cultivation ; it avoids forests, heavy 
rain and flooded country. It is found in Burma in the rains. It is not shy 
and is found singly or in pairs. 
