Quail Coturnix coturnix

Uncommon passage migrant and a very rare breeding summer visitor to Shetland

Gossameadow, male calling regularly through June and July 1994

· 1955 – 1969 Calling birds recorded in most years, but breeding not confirmed.

· 1976 3 calling males recorded in July.

· 1996 One heard calling on 18^th – 19^th June, with singles reported on 15^th July, 18^th September and 20^th October. This latter date represents the latest Shetland record.

· 1997 One, Hametoun, on 2^nd – 14^th July and one on 28^th July.

· 2003 3, on 15^th – 16^th June, one male remaining and heard calling on 17^th, 24^th, 25^th and 28^th.

· 2004 Two males, singing, on 8^th – 17^th June.

· 2005 One, 30^th – 31^st May.